Prabath Jayasuriya reprimanded for striking boundary wedges after dismissal

Sri Lanka spinner Prabath Jayasuriya has been officially reprimanded and handed one demerit point for hitting the boundary wedges with his bat after his dismissal during the second day of the ongoing second Test against India in Colombo.

Jayasuriya, who was playing the role of nightwatchman and batting at No. 3, was dismissed leg before wicket by India's Manav Suthar with what proved to be the final delivery of the day's play. As he made his way back to the pavilion, Jayasuriya struck the boundary wedges with his bat. Television footage also showed him throwing his gloves after reaching the dressing room.

The incident was deemed a Level 1 breach of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel. The relevant provision covers the abuse of cricket equipment, clothing, ground equipment, fixtures or fittings during an international match.

The demerit point is Jayasuriya's first in a 24-month period.

He is the third player to face disciplinary action during the Colombo Test after India's Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sri Lanka's Asitha Fernando were sanctioned following an incident on the opening day.

Both Jaiswal and Fernando were fined 25% of their match fees and received one demerit point for inappropriate physical contact.

The confrontation occurred after Fernando dismissed Jaiswal off the final ball of the 17th over on the first morning. Jaiswal, who was walking back towards the dressing room, appeared to change direction and approach Fernando following words exchanged during Sri Lanka's celebration.

According to the ICC, the two players exchanged words before Fernando moved his head towards Jaiswal. Jaiswal then leaned forward, resulting in their heads making contact.

Video footage, however, indicated that Jaiswal initiated the physical contact by turning back towards Fernando and moving towards him. Fernando also took a small step forward, after which Jaiswal leaned his helmeted head towards the Sri Lankan fast bowler.

India entered the Colombo Test with a 1-0 lead in the two-match series after securing a 165-run victory over Sri Lanka in the first Test in Galle.

The disciplinary incidents have added an off-field subplot to a closely contested series as both teams continue their battle in Colombo.