His explanation was rational and from the perspective of his Hobart incident. “To me that was the way it went and it wasn’t too hard for me to walk away. I was very disappointed of course, but you know that’s the way it goes. There must have been occasions when certain very close LBW decisions would have gone my way. I didn’t complain then. The way cricket is played these days, there’s a lot more at stake than it used to be. There are certain instances that have to be dealt away from the ground where the real action takes place and if that happens that’s up to the parties involved to look at that particular juncture and debate.”

The Sri Lankan vice-captain felt that the charm of the game is in its human element and it should remain like that amidst the growing demand of introducing more technology in the game. “The whole beauty of cricket is that human element. If you want to use technology, then use it. If the ICC says we play the game as it is, then the sides are happy with it and we move on.

“I think the teams playing this tournament should look to play the game. If they do appeal, then wait for the umpire to make his decision and irrespective of whichever way it goes, we should be humble enough to accept it.”

Sangakkara, however, ducked the issue of India’s protest against Steve Bucknor after the Sydney Test.

... contd.