It took almost 46 overs but there was finally a third umpire referral. And guess what? The umpire was right. The Cricinfo commentary is reproduced for your enjoyment. The next ball has been included to show the benefits to the batsman of a failed challenge. One down, three to go.

45.4 Harbhajan Singh to Warnapura, no run, Now then now then after 45 overs we got a referral upstairs for a lbw shout that was turned down. It was on the leg and middle, straightened a touch, beat the prod and hit the pad. Appeal but turned down. Kumble asks for the review It looked like it was going down leg. Benson says NOT OUT. Kumble and Ganguly have a smile. It didn’t turn enough. India have only two more unsuccessful reviews to make.

45.5 Harbhajan Singh to Warnapura, FOUR, gets forward to cream it through wide mid-off.

Warnapura proceeded to a century, followed by Jayawardene as the Sri Lankans build a large first innings. Currently 3/341 in the final session of Day 2.

There seems to be a few questions about how the third umpire referral system works. I stumbled across a good article the other day. Firstly, each team is allowed three unsuccessful challenges per innings. For the batting team, the batman is allowed to challenge a decision (presumably if he feels he has been wrongly given out). In the field, only the captain has the right to challenge.

Technology will be used heavily. There are 22 cameras in use at SSC in Colombo. Hawkeye will NOT be used. Snicko will NOT be used. Nor will Hotspot. While these tools are fun for the viewers and may add some value, they are not regarded by anyone with half a brain as gospel. Technology will be used for lbws to determine where the ball pitched and the line of impact with the pads. That is pretty clear cut. The article does not state whether or not it will be used to determine height of impact. I would have thought that a side-on camera could do that. Video evidence will also be used to determine if the batsmen struck the ball (for catches and lbw) and to assist in whether or not the ball has carried for catches. The latter is still an area of great concern, I believe.

The umpire will make the final decision after consulting with the third umpire. Players will not look toward the big screen for a decision. I think run outs and stumpings will an exception – I believe those decisions will carry on as per normal.