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In a 1st in Sri Lanka, Test players to have names and numbers on their whites

Bipin Dani. Dated: 8/9/2019 12:50:57 AM

Thumbs up for numbers and names on whites

MUMBAI, Aug 8: Following the first Ashes Test of the World Test Championship (WTC) between England and Australia (at the Edgbaston, Birmingham), where the players of both teams had their numbers and names on their whites, the fans in Sri Lanka will be able to recognize their players too "more easily" first time.
"Yes, we have numbers (and names)- all teams now to do so (and there is) no problems", Gary Stead, the coach of the New Zealand team, said exclusively from Colombo.
"It was agreed by the Chief Executives Committee some time ago and can be found in the WTC playing conditions. Other bilateral cricket outside of the WTC is at the decision of the Boards", Claire Furlong, ICC's media spokesperson, said from Dubai.
The two-Test series between Sri Lanka and the visiting New Zealand begins at the Galle International Stadium (August 14) and in both the Tests, it is first time in Sri Lanka, the players will have numbers and names at the back of their white shirts.
Few former international cricketers do have opposed the move, especially when these numbers and names are hidden when they put sweaters on.
Incidentally, this policy is only for the players and fans can still find some difficulty in recognizing the on field umpires.
"It (this policy) is for the players at present", she added. In the meantime, Dinesh Chandimal, who has been in the probable list is likely to speak to the selector/s on Thursday and confirm about his chances playing in the first or both Tests to enable him to decide about his return date from Canada, where he is participating in the Global T-20s.
The chief selector Ashantha de Mel is being hinted to continue as a manager for the series.