Kolkata: Sri Lankan batsman Dilruwan Perera was today caught on camera looking at the dressing room before he asked for a review to overturn an LBW decision by onfield umpire Nigel Llong.
Perera seemed to have endured a possible 'brain fade'
moment like Australian skipper Steve Smith, who had also
looked at the dressing room for hints after his dismissal
during the second Test in Bangalore last March.
The incident happened in the last ball of 57th over with
Perera yet to open his account when he was struck on the
backfoot by an indipper. The ball was clearly in-line and was
given out by Llong.
Perera first looked at his partner Rangana Herath and
started walking back immediately towards the pavilion. But he
suddenly opted to review after turning towards the dressing
room.
It was, however, not clear whether any assistance came
from the dressing room.
The whole incident was caught on TV camera, as
commentators began referring to the Steve Smith 'cheatgate'
controversy.
The decision was eventually overturned as the impact was
marginally outside the line and Perera survived but strangely
there was no protest from Virat Kohli and Co.
During the Bangalore Test in March, Kohli had fought over
Smith's decision and it had snowballed into a big controversy.
The Indian cricketers today seemed to have overlooked the
entire incident despite Perera being clearly caught in the
moment looking at the dressing room.
According the ICC Standard Test Match Playing Conditions
for 2016-17, the umpires may decline a review if they believe
the fielding captain or batsman has received any outside
input.
"The captain may consult with the bowler and other
fielders or the two batsmen may consult with each other prior
to deciding whether to request a PlayerReview," the Playing
Conditions states.
"Under no circumstances is any player permitted to query
an umpire about any aspect of a decision before deciding on
whether or not to request a Player Review.
"If the umpires believe that the captain or batsman has
received direct or indirect input emanating other than from
the players on the field, then they may at their discretion
decline the request for a Player Review.
"In particular, signals from the dressing room must not
be given.
