They are the true guardians of the game and they must look at their conscience

Hanumant Singh

Singh: Both sides are letting the game down

Sri Lankan coach Dav Whatmore, however, insists the players' behaviour was nothing out of the ordinary and believes it is all part of the competitive nature of Test cricket.

"It's a tough game, and we've played in many tough games. I know people like to comment about it, but it's just part of the game," he said.

"I don't think what happened today will affect the relationship between the two sides at all - I'd be disappointed if it did because the England team are good lads."

But Whatmore does believe the introduction of two neutral umpires would help ease the growing tensions in international cricket.

He said: "It's not so much that the home umpire looks after the home players but I just feel that the perceptions of decisions would make things a lot easier for everyone if there were two neutral umpires."

England coach Duncan Fletcher claims the only remedy to the problem is for the ICC to clear up the uncertainties regarding what umpires can refer to the third official.

Umpires are currently allowed to ask for a replay only to clarify boundaries, stumpings, run outs and whether the ball has carried for a catch.

Umpire Cooray is escorted off at the end of play

They cannot use the same facility to rule whether a batsman has got an edge, and the ICC plan to discuss the matter at a forthcoming meeting.

"Improvements must be made in terms of controlling the game," said Fletcher.

"We must sit down and have a look and decide what is the best way we can help the umpires."

Fletcher also called for the code of conduct, which covers penalties for dissent and sledging, to be more rigorously enforced.

"If an agreement is reached about these things it must be stuck to," he insisted.

"It's the Code of Conduct and it has to be administered - we've seen in other sports like tennis, soccer and rugby how people use any means to gain an advantage over the opposition."

Nevertheless Fletcher strongly defended Atherton.

"Mike is one of the fairest cricketers in world cricket. He's laid-back and enjoying his game at the moment. But someone provoked him, and he reacted to it," said the England coach.