Sri Lanka protested by showing their national flag on the balcony against an incorrect no-ball which denied them a wicket against England at historical Lord’s. The flag was handed down from the tourists’ dressing-room balcony for some 45 minutes. Sri Lanka did not pick up the key wicket of Alex Hales because of no-ball.
The incident happened on the fourth day when opener Alex hales was batting on 58. Nuwan Pradeep bowled him. The delivery kept low and Australian umpire Rod Tucker had called a no-ball. Replays suggested paceman Pradeep’s front foot may have been behind the crease.
Sri Lanka team manager Charith Senanayake, a former Test opener, and coach Graham Ford complained the match referee Andy Pycroft to register their unhappiness at Tucker’s decision. The flag on the balcony was removed at the request of Marylebone Cricket Club, the owners of Lord’s.
In February, a similar incident saw Australia’s Adam Voges make 239 in a Test against New Zealand in Wellington after being reprieved on seven following an incorrectly called no-ball by English umpire Richard Illingworth.