Match Referee determined to stamp out excessive appealing

Hanumant Singh, the Match Referee for England's forthcoming three-Test series in Sri Lanka, said last that he would be stamping down on excessive appealing. He will speak to both captains on Wednesday to voice his concerns.

The issue of excessive appealing has been raised by two incidents during England's first three practice games. In Moratuwa, Darren Gough was reported to the Sri Lankan board after allegations that he raised his bat and directed abusive language at two young Sri Lankan players.

Then, in Matara, Ruchira Perera was also reported to the Sri Lankan board, this time by the England Operations Manager, Phil Neale, for allegedly directing foul and abusive language at Craig White.

Hanumant Singh is keen to ensure that a tough series, fought out in trying conditions, does not boil over into bitterness between the two sides: "I'll stress my feelings about appealing when I speak to both captains here on Wednesday.

"I want it to be an appeal, not a demand. I want to stop people jumping and dancing up and down in front of the umpire and trying to intimidate him. Sometimes I accept it's genuine excitement, but more often it's an orchestrated attempt to cheat."

Dav Whatmore said last night: "I was surprised to hear about two incidents that occurred in the practice games. I can assure you that they are few and far between and I would be surprised if there is a problem over the next six weeks."

Duncan Fletcher said bluntly: "We have come here to play cricket and my players know what is required of them."