Manjrekar Calls Sri Lanka’s Bad-Light Reaction ‘Unprofessional’ in Colombo

Sanjay Manjrekar has criticised Sri Lanka’s handling of the fading light in Colombo, calling their approach unprofessional after India took two late wickets.

The late collapse

Prasidh Krishna removed Lahiru Udara, and in the final over Manav Suthar had nightwatcher Prabath Jayasuriya LBW. Jayasuriya looked frustrated, throwing his gloves into the dressing room.

Light had been worsening, with Kamil Mishara and Jayasuriya repeatedly signalling to the umpires about conditions. India stayed on the field and pushed for play to go on.

Manjrekar’s view

Speaking on Sony Sports Network, the former India batter said he understood wanting to nudge the umpire, but that a batter cannot take his eye off the ball. He felt Sri Lanka’s irritation with the officials hurt their concentration, and that the light was not so poor that the ball could not be seen.

He defended the dismissal of Jayasuriya, saying a nightwatcher cannot be blamed and that Suthar bowled a great delivery with a nice variation.

Manjrekar also credited India for putting pressure on the umpires by staying out there and making clear they thought conditions were fine. He suggested India’s status as one of the heavyweights of world cricket may have played a part.

India made the most of the opening, leaving Sri Lanka with a tough task after losing two early wickets.