B Molligoda: David Lloyd to face the music? (3 Sep 1998)

3 September 1998

David Lloyd to face the music?

Bandula Molligoda

Board of Control for Cricket in England and Wales confirmed on September 1 that they will remove or give cricket coach David Lloyd a final warning for criticising the bowling of Sri Lankan spinner Muttiah Muralitharan.

As Lloyd has been appointed as the coach for the matches against Australia for this ashes series in Australia in September, it is expected that a final warning will be given to him.

Lloyd has told a Television announcer that Muralitharan is throwing the ball at the wicket. Replying to this comment, Popular Commentator and former England's Opener Geoff Boycott said that England should have selected a coach who could keep his mouth shut. Later Lloyd criticised Boycott too.

Board of Control for Cricket in England and Wales issued a communique regarding this matter and said that when the ICC has cleared Muralitharan of this charge it is unfair for any one to comment further about it.

Criticising the commentator was regarded as a more serious offence. They said they will take a decision to remove or warn the coach, within the next 48 hours.

The Communique further stated that the comment made by Lloyd is his personal view and not the view of the Cricket Board.

Lloyd was earlier warned about two years ago when he uttered the words "we murdered them" after beating Zimbabwe team in a series of matches.

Source :: Daily News (https://www.lanka.net)