Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar criticised Sri Lanka’s approach during the tense final moments of Day Two of the second Test against India in Colombo, calling the hosts’ behaviour over the fading light “slightly unprofessional”.Sri Lanka finished the day on 8/2 after India declared their first innings at 503/9. The hosts were already facing a massive deficit when Prabath Jayasuriya was dismissed by Manav Suthar in the final over, with Kamil Mishara and Jayasuriya having repeatedly shown their displeasure at the decision to continue playing in deteriorating light.Jayasuriya was visibly frustrated after being given out lbw and threw his gloves inside the dressing room. The Sri Lankan camp was also seen expressing its displeasure as the players left the field.Manjrekar, however, felt Sri Lanka’s focus on the light had distracted them from the actual contest and praised Suthar for making the most of the situation.“I see that as being slightly unprofessional. I know you want to nudge the umpire, saying it’s bad light, but you can’t take your eye off the ball. I thought the bad-light situation and their angst with the umpire consumed their minds, and they weren’t focusing on the ball because the light was never that bad. We know the light is never so bad that you can’t see the ball. It’s just that there is a certain amount of darkness that is considered bad light, and it’s offered to the batter,” Manjrekar said on the Sony Sports Network.While acknowledging that Sri Lanka could have had a case over the light, Manjrekar said that did not excuse Jayasuriya’s dismissal.“Then maybe Sri Lanka had a point that it was bad light enough, but that doesn’t condone the mistake that they made now. You can’t blame a night watcher for getting out. That was a great delivery from Suthar, in a nice variation and a superb delivery from process at the finish as well,” he added.The final session had initially appeared to be heading towards an early end when rain interrupted play and the covers were brought onto the field. However, India were reluctant to leave the ground, seemingly putting pressure on the umpires to resume proceedings.The rain soon eased and play restarted, allowing India to make further inroads into the Sri Lankan batting order. Prasidh Krishna dismissed Lahiru Udara before Suthar removed Jayasuriya as Sri Lanka slipped to 8/2.Manjrekar credited India for remaining on the field and pushing for play to continue.“So credit goes to India for making that happen. Unfortunate for Sri Lanka, we’ll have a look at Prabath. India will take that. India also played a very good part when the covers were being put on,” said Manjrekar.He further explained how India’s stance may have influenced the umpires’ decision.“They stood on the field. Putting pressure on the umpire, saying that we believe play could start and all these little things. They’re heavyweights now in world cricket. If the Indian team just stood there believing that a game could start, and we felt the light was good enough. That puts a certain amount of pressure on the umpires,” he added.India ended the day in complete control, holding a 495-run lead with Sri Lanka having lost two wickets in just three overs.
