Sri Lanka spinner Prabath Jayasuriya has been officially reprimanded and handed a demerit point for striking the boundary wedges with his bat after being dismissed on the second day of the ongoing Test against India in Colombo.
On Monday, Jayasuriya was acting as nightwatcher and batting at number three when India’s Manav Suthar had him adjudged leg-before wicket from the final ball of the day. Jayasuriya hit the boundary wedges with his bat on the way back to the pavilion and, according to reports, flung his gloves upon reaching the dressing room.
Match referee Andy Pycroft of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel imposed the sanction after Jayasuriya admitted to breaching Level 1, Article 2.2 of the ICC Code of Conduct. The article covers the “abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment or fixtures and fittings during an international match.”
One demerit point was added to Jayasuriya’s disciplinary record alongside the official reprimand. It is the left-arm spinner’s first offence within a 24-month period.
On-field umpires Ahsan Raza and Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid, third umpire Rod Tucker, and fourth umpire Prageeth Rambukwella brought the charge. Jayasuriya accepted the sanction, removing the need for a formal hearing.
He became the third player penalised in the Test, after India’s Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sri Lanka’s Asitha Fernando were sanctioned for a confrontation on the opening day.
Fernando dismissed Jaiswal in the 17th over of India’s first innings. As Jaiswal began walking off, he appeared to change direction and approached the Sri Lankan huddle, where Fernando was at the centre of celebrations. The pair exchanged words before Fernando moved his head towards Jaiswal. Jaiswal then leaned in, and their heads made contact.
According to the ICC’s statement, video evidence confirmed that Jaiswal initiated the physical contact. Both players were fined 25 percent of their match fees and received a demerit point each.
Three ICC disciplinary actions have now been recorded in the Colombo Test. India lead the series 1-0 after a 165-run win in the first Test in Galle.
Match officials dealt with Jayasuriya’s actions quickly after his admission and acceptance of the penalty. Play resumed without delay.
The confrontation between Jaiswal and Fernando, followed by Jayasuriya’s outburst, has underlined the pressure of the contest. Any further breaches within the relevant period could affect the players’ ICC disciplinary records.
The second Test continues in Colombo, while both sides also look to assess key player performances and rising stars in international cricket.
