Dilshan calls for mandatory Hot Spot

Monday, 9 April 2012 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

ESPNcricinfo: Tillakaratne Dilshan remains convinced he did not edge the delivery to which he was given out on the fourth day against England at the P Sara Oval and has called for Hot Spot to be made mandatory in all test and one-day cricket.

Dilshan was adjudged caught at slip off Graeme Swann by Bruce Oxenford and immediately signalled for a review. The third umpire, Rod Tucker, took an age looking at the images but without the infra-red cameras he ruled there was no conclusive evidence to advise the on-field umpire he had made an error.

“I feel 100 per cent that I didn’t edge the ball, that’s why I went straight for the review,” he said. “I can’t control the decisions. You have to respect it. But I can suggest one thing. The DRS that applies to test or one-day cricket should have Hot Spot then there will be more correct decisions. Unfortunately Hot Spot is not there and a few decisions were very difficult for the umpire without it.”

When Oxenford confirmed his decision Dilshan stood, dumbstruck, at the crease for a moment before slowing trudging to the pavilion where he threw his helmet to the ground. Graham Ford, the Sri Lanka coach, also visited the match referee to demand answers about the incident.

Earlier on Friday, Dilshan had been fined 10 per cent of his match fee for excessive appealing during the third day and his frustrations at his dismissal could prompt another word from the match referee. “I wanted a big score and that’s why I was disappointed,” he said.

It is the second time in the match that the lack of Hot Spot has been highlighted. On the first day England thought they had Thilan Samaraweera caught at short leg and asked for review but it remained a not out decision. Following that, Steven Finn, who was the bowler involved, said he would like to see Hot Spot available all the time.

However, due to the cost of the cameras, which is carried by the host board and host broadcaster, remains out of reach for the likes of Sri Lanka, who are struggling financially. The full DRS, including Hot Spot, were only available for the Pakistan-England series in the UAE because the PCB found a sponsor to offset the cost. Sri Lanka’s mood stemming from perceived injustice at Dilshan’s decision will not have been improved by the two late blows from Swann that left them 33 runs ahead with four wickets left and struggling to hold onto their 1-0 series lead. However, Dilshan was confident they could still save - or even win - the match, especially after England’s failed attempt to chase 145 against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi. “We believe if we can bat the first session tomorrow we can win the Test,” he said. “It’s not an easy wicket and won’t be easy to chase 130-140. They couldn’t chase 140, this is a five day wicket and Rangana Herath is in good form.”