SLC releases official statement to clear ambiguity regarding Dilruwan Perera’s DRS appeal

The ongoing Test between India and Sri Lanka witnessed a shadow of controversy and drama on Day 4 after Sri Lankan tail-ender Dilruwan Perera was caught seeking help from the dressing room on whether to review an lbw decision or not. The incident happens just eight months after Australian skipper Steve Smith was involved in something similar during their India tour. Smith looked up for a cue but the umpires asked him to walk off, as an irate Virat Kohli came into the picture.

Coming to the ongoing match, it was Mohammed Shami bowling the 58th over of the innings. On-field umpire Nigel Llong raised his finger after Shami’s delivery hit Dilruwan on the pads. The Sri Lankan batsman turned back towards the dressing room as if walking off and promptly returned to signal for DRS.

The DRS review eventually overturned the on-field umpire’s decision revealing that the ball had pitched outside the off-stump. But the incident as Dilruwan Perera gave a glance towards the dressing room and turned back to ask for the DRS stirred up the hosts, fans and the commentators and has drawn criticism from all corners.

SLC’s official statement

Following the controversy, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has released an official statement to clear any air of ambiguity. It reads, “Sri Lanka Cricket wishes to clarify the ambiguity surrounding the DRS appeal of Dilruwan Perera during the 3rd days play of the 1st Test in Kolkotta earlier this afternoon.”

“Contrary to the assumptions made, there was no “message from the dressing room” involved in the requested review. Having mistakenly assumed that Sri Lanka was out of reviews, Dilruwan Perera had turned to leave the field when he heard Rangana Herath inquire from the on-field umpire Nigel Long if Sri Lanka has any reviews left, to which Mr. Long answered in the affirmative.”

“It was then that Dilruwan requested the review,” SLC clarified.

The match at the end of day 4 is poised quite delicately with a tendency to drop dead for a draw unless one of the teams goes out all guns blazing on the final day to extract an outcome.