Ranatunga put in dock while England escape (25 January 1999)

25 January 1999

Ranatunga put in dock while England escape

By Paul Newman in Adelaide

ENGLAND yesterday escaped official censure for their part in the extraordinary scenes which marred Saturday's thrilling triangular series game at the Adelaide Oval, but were reminded of their responsibilities.

Both Alec Stewart and Darren Gough were involved in unsavoury incidents towards the end of Sri Lanka's successful chase of 303 in a game which will forever be remembered for the calling of Muttiah Muralitharan for throwing by umpire Ross Emerson.

As the dust settled yesterday, however, Peter van der Merwe, the International Cricket Council match referee, summoned Arjuna Ranatunga, the Sri Lankan captain, to a disciplinary hearing tomorrow while confirming that he will take no action against any members of the England team. The hearing was delayed by 24 hours so Sri Lanka can prepare their case.

The South African also paid a visit to David Graveney, the England tour manager, at his Adelaide hotel to express his concern about the general atmosphere in which Saturday's match was played.

Graveney, also the chairman of selectors, had already been in contact with Simon Pack, the England and Wales Cricket Board international teams director, to explain his version of events that England clearly put down to severe provocation by the Sri Lankans. Following those talks and further discussions between Pack and Tim Lamb, the ECB chief executive, England decided to reiterate to Stewart and his squad the need to fulfil their obligations and responsibilities.

"Whatever the perceived provocation, we must be aware of the right way to react," said Graveney. "We must avoid being sucked into incidents because, as professionals, we must control our emotions."

The role of Stewart, who barged into Roshan Mahanama at the end of an over in which the Sri Lankan had clashed with Gough, came under particular scrutiny at a time when the game is extremely image conscious.

Ranjit Fernando, the Sri Lankan manager, defended Ranatunga. "Our captain conducted himself with decorum. I wouldn't expect anyone to handle things any differently than Arjuna did if they were in his position," he said.

Serious action against Ranatunga - and a suspension is not out of the question - would further deepen the crisis in which the game has again found itself. Even if van der Merwe is lenient today, and the Sri Lankans are understood to be unhappy with the way the referee has handled the affair throughout, problems seem sure to arise again on Friday when Sri Lanka meet England in Perth. Emerson will be umpiring again.

Source :: Electronic Telegraph (https://www.telegraph.co.uk)