On-field Controversy: Here's how Ishant Sharma 'took on' Lankan team

Colombo: Indian speedster Ishant Sharma was again involved in an altercation with some Sri Lankan players during the visiting team's second innings on the fourth day of the 3rd Test in Colombo's SSC stadium on Monday.

Also Read: Ishant Sharma, Kamran Akmal fined for on-field spat!

THE BOUNCER

Ishant Sharma avoids a bouncer off pacer Dhammika Prasad during the fourth day of the third and final Test match between Sri Lanka and India at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) in Colombo on Monday. Pic/AFP

The incident happened in the 76th and final over of the Indian second innings, which was being bowled by Dhammika Prasad. Prasad bowled a couple of bouncers which Ishant left alone and had a smile for the Lankan pacer. A bit agitated, Prasad bowled a third bouncer which was illegal and promptly signalled no-ball by the umpire.

THE CHALLENGE

India's Ishant Sharma challenges Sri Lankan bowler Dhammika Prasad, back to camera to bowl another bouncer on day four of the third test match in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on Monday. Pic/AP/PTI

Having exhausted his quota of two bouncers for the over, Prasad then pitched one up and Ishant cut it towards point region for a single. But as he ran past Prasad, he started tapping his helmet with an obvious gesture to the fast bowler to try and hit him on the head.

THE VERBAL DUEL

Ishant Sharma and Dammika Prasad engage in war of words to bowl another bouncer on day four of the third test match in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on Monday. Pic/AFP

Once the run was complete, an agitated Prasad had a few words for Ishant, who was in no mood to back out and walked upto him.

THE BRUSH-OFF

Sri Lankan cricketer Dinesh Chandimal (right) brushes past Ishant Sharma (L) during the fourth day of the third and final Test match between Sri Lanka and India at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) in Colombo on Monday. Pic/AFP

Just when they were exchanging words angrily, Dinesh Chandimal while passing nudged Sharma with his shoulder with some choice words of his own which got Ravichandran Ashwin agitated.

With tempers rising, Lahiru Thirimanne also joined the 'discussion'.

THE FACE-OFF

Ishant Sharma (L) and Sri Lankan cricketer Dinesh Chandimal exchange words during the fourth day of the third and final Test cricket match between Sri Lanka and India at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) in Colombo on Monday. Pic/AFP

Ashwin drew the attention of umpires Rod Tucker and Nigel Llong who then called up Angelo Mathews to tell him to calm his players down.

TEMPERS ESCALATE

Ishant Sharma (C) and Sri Lankan cricketer Lahiru Thirimanne (L) exchange words as Ravichandran Ashwin looks on during the fourth day of their third and final Test cricket match between Sri Lanka and India at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) in Colombo on Monday. Pic/AFP

Still pretty angry at what happened, Prasad deliberately overstepped and bowled a fourth bouncer to Ishant after which he took a single.

UMPIRES STEP IN TO CALM PLAYERS DOWN

Indian cricketer Ishant Sharma (R) and Sri Lankan cricketer Lahiru Thirimanne (L) exchange words as umpire Nigel Llong (2L) and Rod Tucker speak with the players during the fourth day of their third and final Test match between Sri Lanka and India at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) in Colombo on Monday. Pic/AFP

The final delivery of the over saw Prasad dismissing Ashwin. But then as Ishant was trudging towards the pavilion, Prasad ran towards him and said a few words.

PARTING SHOT

Sri Lankan bowler Dhammika Prasad, right and India's Ishant Sharma exchange words on day four of the third test cricket match between them in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on Monday. Pic/AP/PTI

Yesterday, Ishant was involved in an argument with Kusal Perera and Rangana Herath. Ishant termed his argument with Perera as friendly banter.

FACE-OFFS ON DAY 3

Sri Lankan cricketer Kusal Perera (2L) and Indian cricketer Ishant Sharma (R) exchange words during the third day of their third and final Test cricket match between Sri Lanka and India at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) in Colombo on Sunday. Pic/AFP

Ishant had on Sunday played down the aggressive manner in which he sent off Perera. "He (Kusal) is a good friend. I just asked him what time you are going to come for dinner with me," the bowler signed off, laughing off the incident with Perera.

Sri Lankan cricketer Rangana Herath (L) and Indian cricketer Ishant Sharma exchange words during the third day of their third and final Test cricket match between Sri Lanka and India at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) in Colombo on Sunday. Pic/AFP