The controversy between Mahela Jayawardene and Michael Clarke primarily revolves around a disputed catch during a Test match in 2011. This incident occurred during the Australia tour of Sri Lanka, where Clarke took a catch that led to Jayawardene’s dismissal, sparking significant debate regarding its legitimacy.
Key Points of the Controversy
Catch: During the 2nd match of the 3-match Test series between Australia and Sri Lanka, the Australian pacer Trent Copeland, who was playing in his only the 2nd Test match managed to make Mahale Jayawardene who was on 51 to edge into slips where Clarke.
Michael Clarke, fielding at slip, took a catch off the bowling of Trent Copeland to dismiss Jayawardene. The catch was described as remarkable but also raised questions about its clarity and whether it was indeed taken cleanly.
Jayawardene’s Reaction: Following the dismissal, Jayawardene expressed his disbelief and questioned Clarke’s claim that he had caught the ball cleanly. Clarke maintained his stance, stating emphatically that he had indeed made the catch.
Umpire Dispute: The situation escalated when Jayawardene argued with the umpires over the decision. This led to him being fined 10% of his match fee for his actions during the game, which was deemed a breach of the ICC Code of Conduct.
Public and Media Response: The incident received widespread media attention and sparked discussions among fans and analysts about sportsmanship and the integrity of catches in cricket. It highlighted the tension that can arise in high-stakes matches over contentious decisions.
This incident remains one of the notable moments in ODI cricket history, illustrating the intense emotions and rivalries that can surface in competitive sports.
