Ishant gets into argument with Lankan players

Colombo, August 31

Indian speedster Ishant Sharma was again involved in an altercation with some Sri Lankan players during the visiting team's second innings on the fourth day of the third cricket Test on Monday.

The incident happened in the 76th and final over of the Indian second innings, which was being bowled by Dhammika Prasad.

Prasad bowled a couple of bouncers which Ishant left alone and had a smile for the Lankan pacer. An agitated Prasad bowled a third bouncer that was illegal and promptly signalled no-ball by the umpire.

Having exhausted his quota of two bouncers for the over, Prasad pitched one up and Ishant cut it towards point region for a single. But as he ran past Prasad, he started tapping his helmet with an obvious gesture to the fast bowler to try and hit him on the head.

Once the run was complete, Prasad had a few words for Ishant, who, clearly in no mood to back down, walked up to him.

 Just as they were exchanging angry words, Dinesh Chandimal, grazed Ishant's shirt while passing and also joined the argument, which got Ravichandran Ashwin, the other batsman on the pitch at that time, agitated.

Ashwin drew the attention of umpires Rod Tucker and Nigel Llong, who then called up Angelo Mathews to intervene.

Still seething at what happened, Prasad deliberately overstepped and bowled a fourth bouncer to Ishant after which the latter took a single.

The final delivery of the over saw Prasad dismissing Ashwin. But then as Ishant was trudging towards the pavilion, Prasad ran towards him and said a few words.

On Sunday, Ishant was involved in an argument with Kusal Perera and Rangana Herath. Ishant termed his argument with Perera as friendly banter.

He was been fined 65 per cent of his match fee for a previous showdown in the second Test. — PTI