Lanka players fined for excessive appealing

Sri Lankan captain Sanath Jayasuriya has been warned over his future conduct and four of his players fined for excessive appealing during their victory over England in the first Test.

Match referee Hanumant Singh said in statement that off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan, Mahela Jayawardene, Russell Arnold and wicketkeeper Kumar Sangakkara had been fined a quarter of their match fees.

He said on Monday they had contravened the spirit of the game with "unnecessary appealing" and "running towards the umpire in jubilation before the umpire's decision is given".

The match, won by Sri Lanka on Monday by an innings and 28 runs, was also marred by a string of controversial decisions, the bulk of which went against Nasser Hussain's tourists.

During the match, England batsman Graeme Hick was fined and given a one-match suspended ban for dissent after his first innings dismissal.

Mail Cricket Editor