In the first Test of the five-match Test series against England, Team India faced a defeat of 28 runs. Team India started well but lost control of the match after the batting disaster. In the first innings, Indian spinners showed magic but they were a bit blunt in the second innings. Batters failed to make any impact with their batting technique. In between this, India’s star pacer Jasprit Bumrah breached the ICC Code of Conduct.
What is the Rule?
Article 2.12 of the ICC Code of Conduct addresses “inappropriate physical contact” with individuals such as players, umpires, or spectators during an international match. This particular incident involving Jasprit Bumrah was classified as a Level 1 breach. Such breaches typically result in an official reprimand, a fine of up to 50 percent of the player’s match fee, and one or two demerit points.
The Incident:
During the 81st over of England’s second innings, Jasprit Bumrah was cited for deliberately obstructing Ollie Pope’s path while attempting a single, constituting inappropriate physical contact. As it was Bumrah’s first offense in 24 months, the ICC refrained from imposing a fine but added one demerit point to his disciplinary record.
The charge was issued by on-field umpires Paul Reiffel and Chris Gaffaney, third umpire Marais Erasmus, and fourth umpire Rohan Pandit. Level 1 breaches of the ICC Code of Conduct typically result in an official reprimand, with the maximum penalty being a 50 percent deduction in match fees and one or two demerit points.
Bumrah’s Guilt
No formal hearing was necessary for Bumrah’s offense, as the 30-year-old admitted guilt and willingly accepted the sanction imposed by Richie Richardson of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees. Bumrah’s plea and acceptance facilitated a streamlined resolution process without the need for a formal inquiry into the incident during the match against England.
In the first Test against England, Jasprit Bumrah took 6 wickets in total. Even in a spin-friendly pitch, he created magic. Unfortunately, India lost the match and England is leading the series by a 1-0 margin. The second Test match is scheduled to happen on February 2 at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Vizag. Team India will be hungry to win the match and level up the series.
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