Captains hope controversy will subside in Colombo Test

Sanath Jayasuriya and Nasser Hussain last night hoped that the controversy that has marred the first two Test Matches in Sri Lanka will not ruin the grand finale to an enthralling series in the Third Test Match, which starts in Colombo on Thursday.

"It's a long time since I have played in a Test with so many controversies. I hope the future matches will have less controversies and that we are able to play a clean game of cricket," Jayasuriya said after England's dramatic three-wicket victory.

Jayasuriya, who received a suspended four-match ban for dissent shown after his controversial second-innings dismissal, regretted his actions: "I got suspended and I regret what I did. As a captain I shouldn't have."

Nevertheless, Jayasuriya felt that England were somewhat fortunate to win the Second Test Match: "There are a lot of decisions that went against us that I am unable to comment on."

Nasser Hussain was looking to address the situation in meeting with the Chairman of the selectors, David Graveney, and Chairman of the ECB, Lord Maclaurin: "As captain certain things that went on in this game were certainly disappointing. It needs to be brought up with the ICC. I will speak to David Graveney and Lord Maclaurin to try and ensure that this sort of thing does not happen again."

Hussain laid the blame firmly at the foot of the umpires: "It is the decision makers that are causing the problems. I know that it is a very difficult job in this part of the world. The captain is responsible for the behaviour of the team, but the players are going up for everything and that is beyond my control It is hard enough looking after 11 players, let alone someone else's job (the umpires)."

Hussain called an urgent re-think by the ICC: "The game is moving on and it is time to have a major re-think about the use of technology in international cricket."

The Sri Lanka board Director of Umpiring, K.T. Francis, pointed out afterwards that the Sri Lankan board had previously submitted a proposal to the ICC calling for the use of technology for leg-before wicket and bat pad appeals, which had been rejected until a fuller discussion was possible. They will be re-submitting the proposal at the ICC meeting in May.

Nasser Hussain also indicated that he would like to meet with Sanath Jayasuriya to discuss the issues: "I have got on well with him in the past and throughout the series. I think it is right to talk to him. I will certainly have a word if we think it will be worthwhile."

Hussain though has also got worries of his own and he is not sure that he will be fully fit by Thursday: "I am told that it is a five-to-10-day injury so we shall have to see how we go. It'll be a close thing. But the way things are, I shall probably have to play, just grin and bear it and if necessary miss the one-day series."