England all-rounder Sam Curran has been fined 15 per cent of his match fee by International Cricket Council (ICC) for his over-the-top celebration after dismissing South Africa skipper Temba Bavuma in the second ODI of the three-ODI series on January 29.
Curran was found guilty of violating Level 1 of the ICC Code of conduct. The Article 2.5 prohibits players from using any language, action or gesture toward a batter following their dismissal that could provoke an aggressive reaction from the dismissed batter.
In addition, one demerit point has been added to the 24-year-old's disciplinary record as it will count as his first offense in a 24-month period.
On-field umpires Marais Erasmus and Adrian Holdstock, third umpire Bongani Jele, and fourth umpire Allahudien Palekar had levelled the charge against Curran who admitted to the offense and accepted the 15 per cent fine and demerit point proposed by Jeff Crowe of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of March Referees. As a result, there was no need for a formal hearing.
The incident took place in the 28th over of the innings when Curran bowled it full and outside off. Bavuma shuffled across to play the ramp shot but ended up dragging it back to his stumps. It was followed by a wild celebration from Curran who got into the batter’s face.
However, Bavuma had the last laugh as his century helped South Africa pull off a record-breaking run chase of 343 at Mangaung Oval, Bloemfontein. Bavuma’s wicket was the only wicket England’s left-arm pacer could take. He bowled 10 overs including a maiden and conceded 60 runs.
The five-wicket win helped hosts take an unassailable lead in the three-ODI series against the white-ball World Champions.
ICC’s move has not gone down well with South Africa cricket fans as Kagiso Rabada was banned for a match for his wild celebration after dismissing former England skipper Joe Root.
