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Hashan escapes being charged
By Marlon Fernandopulle
Sri Lanka test captain Hashan Tilakaratne escaped being charged by ICC match referee Mike Proctor after the skipper made an attempt to obstruct the fielder taking a catch following his dismissal in the second innings.

The incident occurred when Tilakaratne drove a Shane Warne delivery that re-bounded off his boot to the silly mid-off fielder Ricky Ponting. As Ponting made a spectacular leap in front to hold on to the ball, Tilakaratne was apparently seen trying to obstruct Ponting's attempt with the bat.

The Sunday Times learns from reliable sources that the Australians were upset over the incident which prompted match referee Mike Procter to speak to the Sri Lankan captain in the dressing room yesterday.

Tilakaratne is believed to have explained the situation to the referee who in turn had advised the Lankan skipper on the matter. Since there was no official complaint by the Australian team, Tilakaratne escaped being charged. According to the ICC code of conduct for players, deliberate and malicious distraction or obstruction on the field of play is a level two offence which carries a penalty of a fine between 50% and 100% of the players match fee and/or a one test match or two ODI match ban.

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