Hussain leaves the match referee's room in Kandy

Sri Lanka had filed an official complaint against the former England captain during the Kandy Test.

Hussain was alleged to have verbally abused Muralitharan when he went out to bat just before lunch on Thursday.

Muralitharan then reported the incident to umpires Aleem Dar and Darryl Harper.

Match referee Clive Lloyd confirmed a complaint had been received and later requested Hussain and Duncan Fletcher to attend a hearing.

Though Lloyd cleared Hussain, he revealed his disappointment at having to call the players in.

"This kind of thing tarnishes the game of cricket," said the West Indian."

It's hot out there and at times you may say something you regret Ashley Giles Verdict: Jonny Saunders' view

After examining video evidence he said there was "nothing to show [Hussain] made the alleged statement."

He added: "It is obvious that something was said but we have no evidence as to the exact words."

Muralitharan was joined by home captain Hashan Tillakaratne and Dinusha Fernando, the batsman at the non-striker's end when the alleged remarks were made.

Muralitharan was finally given out bowled by Ashley Giles for 19 but only after a protracted discussion between England's fielders and the umpires.

Clive Lloyd explains his decision to waiting journalists

He had by then hit Giles for six and later in the day dismissed both England's openers when they were going well.

At the close of play, Giles said: "Anything that's said out there is just meant to upset people which it probably has.

"It's important both teams keep their cool and we've been told about that but it's difficult.