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Did Perera consult dressing room before taking DRS?

November 19, 2017 12:32 IST

Team India

IMAGE: India's players wait for the third umpire's decision. Photograph: BCCI

Sri Lanka batsman Dilruwan Perera was caught on camera looking at the dressing room before he asked for a review to overturn an leg before wicket decision by onfield umpire Nigel Llong, on Day 4 of the first Test against India in Kolkata, on Sunday.

 

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 in  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 incoming delivery from Mohammed Shami 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 having taken a few steps towards the dressing room.

It is, 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 team 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."

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