Hussain has transformed England in tandem with Fletcher

This match must have been their toughest challenge in that time.

And for England to emerge as winners despite all of the distractions � the ill-feeling, the poor umpiring and, let us not forget, losing the toss � was a truly outstanding performance.

It was good to see the players from both teams shaking hands after this fractious game.

Whether it was out of genuine respect and admiration, I do not know, but something must be done between now and the start of the final Test in order to smooth relations.

Hussain has said that he will meet his opposite number, Sanath Jayasuriya, if that will help.

Both sets of players have experienced the result of histrionic appealing and pressurising of the umpires

Jonathan Agnew

Umpire BC Cooray: At the heart of the controversy

It is down to the players themselves not to whinge on about having two neutral officials standing in these matches.

Instead they must ensure that Test cricket is tough and competitive, but played with honesty and integrity as well.

The media has a responsibility, too.

I am increasingly uncomfortable about the immediate dissection of each decision by TV commentators who use gimmicks and electronic aids that are unavailable to the umpires.

In Kandy these replays, it seemed, cast doubts about almost every decision that was made.

The whole mood was becoming hysterical and I fear this will only continue to grow between now and Thursday morning.

Ashoka de Silva and David Orchard, the umpires for the final Test, must already be having sleepless nights.