It was a repeat of Steve Smith’s ‘brain fade’ moment on Sunday during the ongoing first test between India and Sri Lanka at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Sri Lankan batsman Dilruwan Perera was caught on camera seeking dressing room help before he asked for a review to overturn an LBW decision.

Perera, who was given out by umpire Nigel Llong in the 57th over, started walking back immediately, only to make a u-turn and ask for a review.
@bhogleharsha @ICC when a batsman take a sigh of signal from dressing room🤔😏not a good sign for the game of cricket. As you challenging spirit of umpiring 🤨#IndvsSL #EdenGardens pic.twitter.com/dYqKFhQCZw
— satya (@yogeshsatya4545) November 19, 2017
The decision to opt for DRS (Decision Review System) turned out to be fruitful as replays showed that the ball hit the batsman marginally outside the off-stump. However, it’s not yet clear whether Perera received any assistance from the dressing room or not.
According the ICC Standard Test Match Playing Conditions for 2016-17, the umpires have the right to decline a review if they believe the fielding captain or batsman has received any outside input.
The incident did not go down very well with commentators with New Zealand’s Simon Doull expressing his displeasure on air. It also sparked a debate on Twitter.
Very sad, Sri Lanka, this Dilruwan “brain fade.” Caught on camera looking at the dressing room, hands there gesturing to him to review. Ghost of Steve Smith lives on #IndvSL
— Shekhar Gupta (@ShekharGupta) November 19, 2017
DRS could become slippery slope in cricket. All kinds of sign language and symbols can be found to tell player on field what to do https://t.co/agWFXntg6W
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) November 19, 2017
DrsDressing room system #INDvSL #ViruPanti #ViratKohli
— Jack (@jack_jimkhan) November 19, 2017
According to Dilruwan, I think DRS means Dressing Room Review System. Highly inspired by Steve Smith, though.#VIRUPANTI #NEHRAJI
— Bittoo Bhatkar (@bittooRights) November 19, 2017
The incident brought back the memories of the 2nd Test between India and Australia in Bengaluru in March, when Aussie skipper Smith was caught looking at the dressing room to decide whether to review his LBW dismissal.
The incident which was dubbed as ‘brain fade’ later also lead to a major controversy. With India skipper Virat Kohli virtually accusing the Australians of cheating.
Feature image: AFP