Jayasuriya gets four-match suspended ban

Sri Lanka captain Sanath Jayasuriya was given a four-match suspended ban after he walked off in disgust following his controversial dismissal on the third day, in the second Test against England on Friday.

International Cricket Council match referee Hanumant Singh of India said the suspended ban for dissent, comprising two Tests and two one-day internationals, would take effect from Sunday for six months.

Singh also fined him 60 per cent of his match fee.

Jayasuriya flung his helmet near the steps of the Sri Lankan dressing room in full view of the spectators and television cameras after being given out, caught by Graham Thorpe in the gully off the bowling of Andy Caddick for a duck in the second innings.

Television replays suggested Jayasuriya had been unlucky. The replays showed Jayasuriya hitting the ball into the pitch before it spooned up to Thorpe.

Jayasuriya stood his ground while Sri Lankan umpire Bulathsinghalage Cooray consulted with his colleague Rudi Koertzen of South Africa, before giving him out.

Singh said Jayasuriya had violated the ICC Players' Code of Conduct Nos. 3, 2 and 1 and had not fulfilled his additional responsibility as captain of ensuring the game is played in the right spirit.

Jayasuriya's suspended sentence is effective for six months from March 11 to September 10, 2001.

Mail Cricket Editor