The Hindu : Sport / Cricket : Srinath to be match referee for Sri Lanka-SA Test series

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Wednesday, Jul 19, 2006

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Srinath to be match referee for Sri Lanka-SA Test series

Dubai: Former India paceman Javagal Srinath will start his innings as an ICC match referee in the two-match Test series between Sri Lanka and South Africa beginning later this month.

Srinath will officiate in the Test at the Sinhalese Sports Club starting on July 27 and then at the P. Saravanamuttu Stadium where the match begins on August 4.

In preparation for his first assignment, Srinath spent the past week at Lord's, venue of the first England-Pakistan Test, alongside ICC chief match referee Ranjan Madugalle, watching how the former Sri Lanka captain did the job, an ICC release said on Tuesday.

``Javagal is the third new match referee I've worked with after Chris Broad and Roshan Mahanama and what we are trying to do in each case is provide the new official with a proper induction into the role, as you would in any organisation,'' Madugalle said.

``The idea is that when he undertakes his first assignment he has an understanding of what's required.''

Srinath shadowed Madugalle through pre-series meetings with the England and Wales Cricket Board — a ground inspection and meetings with the umpires, captains and officials of both teams.

On match days, Srinath observed Madugalle as he ran through the daily routines, working with the umpires to ensure the Test progressed smoothly.

Talking about his new responsibility, Srinath said, ``I have had to learn pretty fast, but Ranjan has been very helpful, going into detail about all the processes. This week has been a very good preparation for me.

``We have gone into the micro-details of the game, from the pre-series rituals and meetings through to the actual conduct of the game.

``It was natural that, up until now, I had a player's perspective, but this past week has seen my approach shift and now my views are more rounded and neutral, as they should be in this role.''— PTI

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