Sri Lanka coach Graham Ford called for all no-ball decisions to be taken by the third umpire as his side reacted to an incorrect call in the third Test against England with an extraordinary flag protest at Lord’s on Sunday.
At stumps, Sri Lanka were 32 without loss in their second innings, needing a further 330 runs on Monday’s fifth and final day to reach an imposing victory target of 362.
More realistically, their goal was to prevent England, already 2-0 up in the three-match series, taking the 10 wickets they needed to complete a whitewash.
But England captain Alastair Cook, 49 not out batting down the order after a knee injury suffered while fielding, may not have been able to declare his side’s second innings on 233 for seven had a few close calls Sunday gone Sri Lanka’s way instead.
Significantly, Sri Lanka thought they had Alex Hales -- who went on to make 94 -- out for 58 when he as bowled by Nuwan Pradeep.
But Australian umpire Rod Tucker had already called a no-ball.
Replays suggested Pradeep’s front foot may have been behind the crease but fielding teams are unable to challenge a no-ball call by an umpire and Hales survived.
-NDTV
