Sri Lanka out to squash issue

Adam Gilchrist batted with a squash ball inside his glove in the final © Getty Images

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Sri Lanka are set to complain to the International Cricket Council after Australia batsman Adam Gilchrist admitted using a squash ball as a batting aid during last month’s World Cup final.

Gilchrist, whose record-breaking 149 led Australia to their fourth title at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, admitted after the 53-run victory he had a squash ball in one of his gloves to give him a better grip.

The 35-year-old one-day international opener’s previous top score in the Caribbean was a unbeaten 59 against Bangladesh, while making just one run in each of the two games before the final against New Zealand and South Africa.

Sri Lanka Cricket secretary Kangadaran Mathivanan is preparing to raise the issue at next month’s ICC annual general meeting.

“We are planning to take it up at the ICC meeting,” said Mathivanan. “The whole purpose is to let the ICC know that it was not done in the spirit and the tradition of the game.

“I am not trying to say it is illegal. All I am saying is that the game should be played in a better spirit.

Gilchrist loses his bat during his match-winning innings in Barbados © Getty Images

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“We want to enlighten all the members of the ICC about our views and we don't approve such acts. That is the purpose of wanting to discuss it at the ICC.”

The MCC, who are responsible for the laws of the cricket, have considered the matter and concluded that it is neither illegal nor does it breach the spirit of the game.

They point out there are no restrictions in law on the interior or exterior of batting gloves.

A statement read: “In this case, apparently the addendum to the inside of the batting gloves was not for protection from injury, but to improve the way the batsman gripped the bat handle.

“This should not be considered unfair. Similarly, it has never been considered unfair for batsmen to use two grips on the bat handle.

“The glove manufacturers might, for added protection against jarring, have put an extra pad of some cushioning material as an integral part of the inside of the palm.

“This would be entirely legal, but have the same effect on his grip for a batsman who wore such gloves.

“In conclusion, the incident could not be classed either as contravening the law or as breaching the spirit of the game.”