Chandimal denied ball tampering blames in ICC hearing after Test

Gros Islet (Saint Lucia), June 17 (CRICKETNMORE) - Sri Lanka captain Dinesh Chandimal has pleaded not guilty to breaching Article 2.2.9 of the International Cricket Council's code of conduct and a hearing will be held following the conclusion of the ongoing

Lifting or otherwise interfering with any of the seams of the ball and scratching the surface of the ball with finger or thumb nails or any implement are also prohibited under this clause. The on-field umpires had expressed concern over the condition of the ball on the second day of the Test and match referee Srinath had awarded five runs to the West Indies on the morning of the third day.

The Sri Lanka players had taken to the field two hours after the scheduled start of play on the third day as a mark of protest. Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) stoutly defended the team, saying it would defend any "unwarranted allegation" against any player. "The team management has informed us that Sri Lankan players have not engaged in any wrong doing during the ongoing (2nd) Test match played between Sri Lanka and West Indies," the SLC said in a statement. "The team on the third day of the match protested a decision taken by the umpires citing 'changing the condition of the ball'," the statement added.

"SLC reiterates its commitment to adhering to the laws of the game and upholding the spirit of the game. SLC stands firm in our commitment to protect the dignity of the national cricketers at all times."