India vs Sri Lanka 2017: Sri Lankan pacer charged with ball tampering during second Test
What's the story?
Sri Lanka are currently in the midst of a bashing at the hands of the Indians in the second Test of the ongoing three-match series. To make matters worse, their pace spearhead Dasun Shanaka has been fined three-quarters of his match fee for allegedly "changing the condition of the ball." Before you get all confused and decide to Google what that means, I'll condense it into two words - ball tampering.
In case you didn't know...
The incident occurred in the 50th over of the game, with cameras picking up visuals of Shanaka picking the seam of the ball.
The heart of the matter
According to the ICC, the pacer breached Article 2.2.9 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel. Apart from the fine, the 26-year-old also received three demerit points. Since Shanaka accepted the charges, a formal hearing will not be needed.
Match referee and member of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees David Boon said: "These are early days in Dasun's career and I am sure this sanction will ensure he is more careful when maintaining the condition of the ball in the future."
What's next?
According to Article 7.6 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, if Shanaka picks up another demerit point within a 24-month period, it will be converted into suspension points following which he would be banned. Two suspension points would result in a ban from one Test, two T20Is or two ODIs, whichever comes first.
For the player himself, he will be looking to put this incident behind him and get on with the task at hand - dismissing the Indian batsmen. The hosts are in a commanding position at 312/2 after day 2, with a lead of 107.
Author's take
On top of all of their problems, this is the last thing Sri Lanka would have wanted. Unfortunately for them, all of Shanaka's efforts had no impact whatsoever as the Indians toyed with the Sri Lankan bowling attack for the most part.