Sri Lanka refuse to take field amid ball-tampering row

Sri Lanka refused to take the field on the third day of the second Test in the West Indies after an apparent ball-tampering row.

Play started two hours later of the scheduled time at the Darren Sammy Stadium in St Lucia, reported ESPNcricinfo.

Sri Lanka, who have been, charged with the allegation that they altered the condition of the ball during the St Lucia Test against West Indies, denied any wrongdoing.

The team protested against the charge by refusing to take the field.

Umpires Aleem Dar and Ian Gould had tabled issues about the condition of the ball towards the end of day two and the Sri Lankans were advised before the start of Saturday's play that they could not continue with the existing ball, according to several media reports.

The West Indies have been awarded five penalty runs.

"The ICC can confirm the match officials in the second Test between West Indies and Sri Lanka changed the ball and awarded 5 penalty runs to West Indies. If there are any, Code of Conduct charges will follow as per usual at close of play," the International Cricket Council (ICC) tweeted.

The Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) clarified its stance in a statement, saying, "SLC advised the team to take the field to ensure the continuity of the match and wish to commend the decision taken by the team to continue with the game 'under protest' to ensure the upholding of the spirit of the game.