‘Creamy’ dubious Indians escape sanction despite irregular practice. – BY TREVINE RODRIGO IN MELBOURNE.  India sidestepped the furore of possible ball tampering and set a precedent that must be maintained if no action is taken against Ravinda Jadeja and Mohamed Sriraj. In what was definitely a breach of match protocols, the Indian duo blatantly helped each other with what was later claimed to be a ‘pain relieving cream’ while Jadeja was bowling against Australia.  The wily spinner who claimed five wickets in Australia’s first innings was clearly picked up by cameras rubbing a substance off the back of Sriraj’s hand and applying it to his spinning finger. Controversy raged following the incident as cricket fans and experts debated whether it constituted ball tampering. The new interpretation of the rules don’t allow anything to be introduced to the ball that could enhance its performance that would give the bowler an unfair ...

Read More →

Off field issues appear to weigh down Lankans as India grab unassailable lead – By TREVINE RODRIGO IN MELBOURNE Sri Lanka changed tactics and batted first but the batters crumbled once more and the result was no different.  India, set a meagre 215,  made short work of the target to comfortably win with 41 balls to spare and grab an unassailable 2-0 lead. It’s been a dreary sequence of events for the troubled Sri Lankans whose on field blues appear to have off field issues to deal with as well. And if this is the reason for their shabby display there’s plenty to be done to get their mindset back on track. And that’s not going to happen midtour or anytime soon after it. Although the horse has bolted in terms of the series, Sri Lanka need to find a way to regroup hurriedly if they want to return home ...

Read More →