Former SL umpire Basil Anthony dies aged 76

Basil Anthony, the former Sri Lanka umpire who officiated in Sri Lanka's inaugural Test, against Australia in Kandy in 1983, has died in Perth. He was aged 76.

A right-hand batsman and offspinner, Anthony played for State Services before taking up umpiring. That landmark Test was the only one he officiated in, but he also stood in several club matches and two ODIs - against England in 1982 and Australia in 1983, both in Colombo.

He served as vice-president and general secretary of the Sri Lanka Cricket Umpires Association, before migrating to Australia where he continued umpiring in grade cricket.