Although the match referee refused to fine Stewart for swearing at Hashan Tillekeratne, his behaviour has caused an uproar in the British media and in cricketing circles. ECB guidelines clearly forbids players to verbally abuse opposing sides and such behaviour is liable to disciplinary procedures. The British media said he now faced a reprimand from the ECB.
Stewart's abuse was picked up by the microphone in the stumps, the 'Evening Standard' said he had made derogatory remarks at Hashan Tillekeratne, calling him an a... and further added lets get the ... out. His remarks were heard by millions all over the world who had switched on to the Emirates Triangular Tournament final between England and Sri Lanka. Many had telephoned Sky Television to complain. According to latest reports the England cricketers have now called for microphone on the stumps to be switched off.
Meanwhile members of the public have written to the Press Complaints Commission in London to protest at an offensive headline in the 'Sun' newspaper which read, 'Savaged by a Mutt' - although it was meant to be a pun, it was an offensive remark aimed at Muttiah Muralitharan, the paper also tried to resurrect the throwing controversy. When Sri Lanka won the Test match in Colombo in 1993 the 'Sun' said the cricketers came from the 'Tea Bag Republic'. Now that the 'Tea Bags' are biting back, the pundits are finding it difficult to accept defeat gracefully. Buoyed by the success of their historic win at Lord's the team are raring to go in the Test match at the Oval. The cricketers are in a confident mood. Meanwhile the 'London Times' reported the good news announced by Tim Lamb, chief executive of the ECB at a dinner for the cricketers at the Park Lane Hilton - Sri Lanka were going to get a three Test match series. Never again will they suffer the humiliation of only one Test match.