War of words spices up proceedings

COLOMBO: Call it India’s Australia moment, or may be that would be too dramatic to describe a clash between two sets of players who have been on friendly terms in this series.

In the second Test at the P Sara Oval, the tenor changed when Ishant Sharma gave a mouthful to Lahiru Thirimanne as the batsman waited, pretty certain he had not nicked the delivery before walking away. What was essentially a shocked look at the umpire got him a 30 per cent match fee penalty. Ishant was docked 65 per cent of his match fee for following it up with a few words after dismissing Dinesh Chandimal.

Sri Lanka batsmen were obliging at the SSC, until Kusal Perera began belting the ball around and found in Rangana Herath a stubborn partner. Some words first seemed to be exchanged between Ishant and Herath. The umpires intervened, speaking to both sides.

There was no re peat of Chandimal’s 162 not out at Galle as Perera holed out to Virat Kohli at mid- off off Ishant. Perera was walking away when Ishant seemed to say something, and he returned to confront the bowler.

Ajinkya Rahane intervened and persuaded Perera to leave and the umpires spoke to Ishant as well as non-striker Herath.

No, I just asked him — he is a good friend — I just asked him what time you are gonna come for dinner with me

ISHANT SHARMA, on Perera exchange