``Least enjoyable game'' of career, says Stewart

``It was the least enjoyable game of cricket I have ever been involved in, and I know that is a view shared by all those in my team,'' Stewart said in a joint statement issued here on Sunday by the England team management.

Saturday's match -- won dramatically by Sri Lanka by one wicket with two balls to spare -- was marred initially by the no-balling for throwing of Sri Lankan off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan and then several jostling incidents between England and Sri Lanka players as the clash built up to a fiery climax.

Sri Lankan captain Arjuna Ranatunga will appear before a disciplinary hearing here Monday presided over by match referee Peter Van der Merve, of South Africa, officials confirmed Sunday.

They have not given details of the charge or charges he will face, but it is likely the hearing relates to his action in pointing menacingly at umpire Ross Emerson with his finger after Emerson had called Muralitharan.

England team chiefs said Sunday none of their players had been called to the hearing.

In the statement, Stewart said: ``I am fully aware of, and accept my responsibilities, as England's captain, and will be doing everything posible to make sure myself and my team conduct ourselves in an appropriate fashion in the remaining matches in the series and beyond.''

The England statement said Van der Merve had told them at a meeting Sunday morning he was not taking any action against England players.

``He did, however, express concern about the general atmosphere in which Saturday's match was played,'' the statement said.

England tour manager David Graveney said in the statement:''The England management accepted this point and has reiterated to Stewart and the rest of the squad the need to fulfill their obligations and responsibilities to the game of cricket.

``I have stressed to Alec the responsibilities he has, namely that he is responsible at all times for ensuring that play is conducted within the spirit of the game, as well as within the laws.

``We all agree that events during Saturday's match had no place on the cricket field. We have accepted that and I have given clear insructions to Alec and all the players to ensure we are not involved in anything similar again.

``From our point of view, the matter is now closed, and we are all keen to put the match behind us and to return to winning ways by playing attractive and positive cricket in the remaining matches in the series.''