Gilchrist backs Nevill after swift stumping

Former Australia wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist has defended his contemporary Peter Nevill after the gloveman's stumping on the fourth day of the third Test drew some criticism on social media.

Nevill's dismissal of Sri Lanka opener Dimuth Karunaratne - who was undone when he briefly lifted his back foot and Nevill whipped off the bails - didn't create too much of a stir at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo, apart from the Australian players congratulating their quick-thinking teammate.

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But in light of a small ripple of criticism on social media, with detractors claiming Nevill's actions were against the spirit of the game, Gilchrist said the dismissal was above board.

"That'd be called a runout Martin," Gilchrist said on Twitter, in response to a critical comment from respected sports journalist and author Martin Blake.

"Nothing unethical about this one. Just a little bit lazy by batsman. 

In reply to another query, Gilchrist replied: "I think it's ok. Just a little bit lazy from batsman, and @pmnevill quite within rights to appeal."

Nevill's former teammate Mitchell Johnson also backed the keeper's judgement and quick thinking.

With Australia in urgent need of a wicket on Tuesday as they attempt to avoid being whitewashed 3-0 in a difficult tour for the No.1-ranked Test team, Nevill sniffed out the smallest of chances.

Nathan Lyon produced a perfectly pitched off-spinner that squared Karunaratne up and beat the outside edge of the bat.

With the ball in his gloves, Nevill locked in on the Sri Lankan opener's feet like a hawk for the slightest of movements and just as he raised his back foot, Nevill whipped off the bails.

Following a review, Karunaratne was given out stumped for 22.

The incident was almost identical to one in the final of a 1997 one-day international series in the United Arab Emirates, when England's Alec Stewart dismissed West Indies batsman Brian Lara in similar fashion.