Colombo: Paceman Ishant Sharma and three Sri Lankan players have been charged for misconduct during the ongoing third Test between the two countries.
Sharma and the Sri Lankan trio of Dhammika Prasad, Dinesh Chandimal and Lahiru Thirimanne were involved in a heated flare-up during the fourth day’s play on Monday in Colombo.
Tempers rose in the final session as Sharma and the Sri Lankan fielders had a heated exchange after Prasad bowled three consecutive bouncers to the Indian tailender.
Chandimal nudged Sharma with his shoulder and Thirimanne too joined in the verbal spat, forcing umpires Nigel Llong and Rod Tucker to step in to calm down the players.
As Sharma hurried off the field after the Indian innings ended, Prasad sprinted behind him and television pictures showed the two players speaking to each other outside the dressing rooms.
Sharma, who was fined 65% of his match fees for misconduct during the second Test, faces a possible suspension by match referee Andy Pycroft.
The ICC said on its Twitter feed that details of the charges will be announced after the match.
“Chandimal, Sharma, Thirimanne and Prasad charged for breaching ICC Code of Conduct. Details to be announced after the conclusion of the Test,” the tweet from the governing body said.
With the series locked 1-1, Sri Lanka, chasing an unlikely victory target of 386 on a seaming pitch at the Sinhalese Sports Club, were battling to hold out for a draw at 97-4 shortly before lunch on Tuesday’s fifth and final day.