Woolmer plays down allegations

Bob Woolmer, the Pakistan coach, has played down suggestions that he was interfering with the preparation of the pitch, after being reported to the match referee ahead of the second Test against Pakistan, at the Asgiriya Cricket Stadium in Kandy.

Woolmer was reported to Alan Hurst, the ICC referee, for inserting a thin tent peg on the edge of the pitch to test moisture levels the day before the game, a practice he has followed for several years. He was spotted by Sri Lanka's head curator, Anuruddha Polonowita, who asked him to leave the area.

Polonowita was of the opinion that such actions were against ICC regulations and duly reported the incident to Hurst. But Woolmer told Cricinfo: "This incident has been blown out of all proportion.

"I have been involved at first-class level since 1968," he added, "and at no time would I attempt to interfere with any part of the pitch which would in any way affect the playing surface. I love the game too much."