Ramiz television comments sparked Pak refusal to take field: Report

London, Oct 1 (UNI) Former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja's outburst as television commentator sparked Inzamam-led side's protest that led to the Oval fiasco, a report revealed today.

Sunday Telegraph said when the visiting team came back to the dressing room at the tea interval of the fourth day after being accused of ball tampering and penalised five runs by field umpires, there was confusion among Inzamam, coach Bob Woolmer and bowling coach Waqar Younis as how to respond to the situation.

While the team management was discussing the matter, they began to focus on the television inside the dressing room as an incensed Ramiz aired an emotive monologue.

''It was a big decision (by the umpires) and I totally disagree with what happened out there,'' Ramiz was quoted by the newspaper to have said on air.

''I am disgusted with the way the laws have been interpreted. You cannot tell whether the ball was scratched, unless you catch somebody in the process. It's a needless controversy,'' Ramiz had continued.

''After watching the television and hearing what Ramiz had to say, Inzamam was very angry and wanted to do something,'' the report said quoting a source who was inside the dressing room at that time.

''Inzy asked (vice-captain) Younis Khan what he thought about a protest and Younis said he would support whatever decision was made.

Inzy then asked the team whether they agreed with staying off the field and everyone said they would support him.'' The report also said the protest was not Woolmer's idea as Inzamam was already keen to make a firm stand by then following ''the wounded-tiger speech by Ramiz.'' UNI XC PDS ND1412