Lanka and Murali breathe freely now (28 January 1999)

28 January 1999

Lanka and Murali breathe freely now

Elmo Rodrigopulle

PERTH, Western Australia, Wednesday - The Sri Lankan cricketers were delighted and relieved when they heard the news that Ross Emerson, the umpire who created all the furore when he called Muthiah Muralitharan had been stood down from their game against England on Friday in the Carlton and United one-day game here.

The Australian Cricket Board which heard of Emerson's stress related problem decided to keep him out and invite Peter Parker to stand with Steve Davis.

Muralitharan, the man in the centre of all controversy, whom the media like to hate and who are ganging up to have him banned from the game, sported a broad smile when he heard that his tormentor would not be there when he bowls at the WACA.

The adjourning of Arjuna Ranatunga's code of conduct hearing in definitely has had mixed feelings. At the Perth airport when the Sri Lankans flew in from Adelaide, they were besieged by a horde of pressmen. Ranatunga and Muralitharan refused to answer any questions and got into the coach that took them to the hotel.

It is not likely that the cricketers or the team management will make any comment on the throwing or Ranatunga misbehaviour issues.

Ranjit Fernando, manager of the Sri Lankan team got the point across to all pressmen when he said: 'Our lips are sealed, ask the referee.'

When Peter van der Merve, the former South African captain and batsman was asked by Channel 9 why the Ranatunga hearing was adjourned said: 'Certain points were raised by Mr. Ranatunga's legal representatives and I thought that was the best thing to do.'

Peter van der Merve the genial match referee in his refereeing career must be facing an explosive situation for the first time where the Ranatunga hearing is concerned.

When Ranatunga's lawyers, experienced in situations like this, questioned van der Merve, he would have been on a sticky wicket and there was no other way out, than to adjourn the hearing, which means that Ranatunga had yet again outwitted his detractors and would continue to play.

But there is no doubt that Ranatunga will have to face some sort of punishment. Emerson and McQuillan have charged the Sri Lanka skipper with conduct unbecoming of an international player, showing dissent, intimidating an umpire and using abusive language.

Pity that Ranatunga had to act in the manner he did. But in his favour it must be said that he is a leader of men, and probably in his enthusiasm to safeguard his number one bowler he overdid it. However that is no excuse. It is said that the game is bigger than the player.

Emerson is not lacking in support. His supporters reckon that he was only doing a job and has every right to call the spinner. But what they are ignorant of is, that the ICC, the governing body for the game had cleared Muralitharan. Then why did Emerson want to act the hero?

The Lankans who still have a chance of figuring in the best of three finals got down to serious training at the WACA nets under the expertise of coach Roy Dias who has been doing an admirable job with his charges.

In this time of crisis what the Australians appreciate and admire most is the exemplary behaviour of the cricketers. When most other teams would have blown their tops, the Sri Lankans are conducting themselves well and indeed a pride to the country.

The news about Nuwan Zoysa is that he will not take any further part on this tour and The Management will decide to send him back after further consultations with his specialists.

Source :: Daily News (https://www.lanka.net)