The Sri Lanka cricket team is playing “under protest” against West Indies after being penalized for ball tampering. The incident took place on second day as the ball was changed and West Indies were awarded with five runs.

As a result, the Sri Lankans refused to set foot on the field to start day three. After a two hour delay, the match finally began, with the SLC saying that the players are playing under protest.

"The ICC can confirm the match officials in the second Test between West Indies and Sri Lanka changed the ball and awarded 5 penalty runs to West Indies," the ICC later tweeted. "If there are any, Code of Conduct charges will follow as per usual at close of play."

Meanwhile, the Sri Lankan board wrote a statement on their website to defend their players while also revealing that it was their request which made the players take on the field again.

The Sri Lankan board sent out a statement defending its players: "SLC advised the team to take the field to ensure the continuity of the match and wish to commend the decision taken by the team to continue with the game 'under protest' to ensure the upholding of the spirit of the game."

"The team management has informed us that Sri Lankan players have not engaged in any wrongdoing," a board release said. "SLC shall take all necessary steps to defend any player, in the event any unwarranted allegation is brought against a member of the team."