Did Dilruwan Perera take help from the dressing room for the DRS call?

The action of the fourth day of the first Test between India and Sri Lanka is currently in progress at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The visitors have caught Virat Kohli led side off guard with some wonderful seam bowling and are ruling the game since the first day. Decision Review System (DRS) has been introduced to overturn the howlers from the umpires but during the play in the first hour on Sunday it seemed that Dilruwan Perera sought help from dressing room before opting for a review.

The incident happened during 57th over of the innings when the inswinging delivery from Mohammed Shami was hit on the pads of Perera who was half-forward defending. The appeal from the Indians was held by the umpire and the batsman was also convinced and thought he was out. But then after turning his back towards umpire Nigel Llong, Perera suddenly reviewed which saved him as the impact was outside the line of off-stump.

However, the commentator on air Simon Doull was not at all impressed with the actions of the Sri Lankan batsman and felt he sought help from the dressing room. Also, the multiple replays showed that there were few hands waving at the batsman from the pavilion signalling him to take the review. The Indian fielders and umpires didn’t notice the blunder but the issue might be taken to the match referee David Boon now from the team management. The rule also states that the batsmen on-field can discuss on the dismissal before reviewing but can’t seek help from the changing room.

What does the rule say?

ICC Decision Review System Clause 3.2 (c) says, “In particular, signals from the dressing room must not be given.” Though the actions of the visiting team weren’t planned and it was instinctive but neither of them is allowed when it comes to reviewing the decision of the umpire. There is a possibility that the hosts might take the matter to the match referee and it would be interesting to see the action taken on the Sri Lankan team.

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