Atapattu does Mohinder Amarnath,faces action

Colombo, Nov 13 (UNI) Former Sri Lanka skipper Marvan Atapattu did what India's Mohinder Amarnath had done more than a decade ago.

Nursing a grouse against the selection committee, Atapattu described them as a bunch of 'muppets headed by a joker'. Mohinder Amarnath, who played a key role in India's only World Cup title win in 1983 had also described the Indian selectors as a ''pack of joker'' after he was dropped from the side.

The 36-year-old opening batsman had blamed the selectors for the team's current poor showing and attacked them with a stinging remarks.

A rattled Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) today said it would take strict disciplinary action against Marvan Atapattu for his outburst but said that they are not thinking of recalling the former captain from the team which is touring Australia.

The SLC expressed its shock and disappointed at Atapattu's comments but added, ''Sri Lanka Cricket does not wish to disrupt the ongoing tour of Australia, specially as the second Test in Hobart will commence on November 16.'' ''However, Sri Lanka Cricket is very distressed and disappointed about statements made by Marvan Atapattu on the selectors and will take necessary disciplinary action on his return to Sri Lanka,'' it said in a statement.

Coach Trevor Bayliss and skipper Mahela Jayawardene however wanted Atapattu to remain with the team saying his experience was vital to the team's performance.

Jayawardene made it very clear that he wants Attapattu to stays put with the team, saying, ''I want him in Hobart. He is a brilliant player and an asset in the dressing room where he contributes so much to the confidence of the team,'' UNI