INDIA MAKE FIRST UMPIRE REFERRAL

The International Cricket Council’s umpire referral system came into use for the first time on Thursday when India asked for a review of a lbw decision on the second day of the first Test between India and Sri Lanka.

Off spinner Harbhajan Singh struck Sri Lanka’s Malinda Warnapura on the pads in the 46th over of their opening innings with a delivery that pitched on middle stump and seemed to be drifting down leg.

Their appeal was turned down by on-field umpire Mark Benson with Warnapurna on 86.

Skipper Anil Kumble challenged the decision and the umpire referred it to third umpire Rudi Koertzen, who also ruled not out.

The decision leaves India with only two challenges remaining.