India's star wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant who rewrote Test cricket record books with two centuries in Headingley encounter has been reprimanded by the International Cricket Council for showing dissent at the umpire's decision. On Day 3 of the ongoing Test in Leeds, Pant threw the ball in anger as umpire Paul Reiffel refused to change the ball after the Indian team's complaint.
"Pant was found to have breached Article 2.8 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to “showing dissent at an Umpire’s decision during an International Match.” ICC said in a statement.
Pant has been handed one demerit point. It is his first offence in 24 months.
The ICC said that there was no need for a disciplinary hearing as the wicketkeeper-batter "admitted to the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by Richie Richardson of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees".
The charges against Pant were levelled by on-field umpires Reiffel, Chris Gaffaney, third umpire Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid and fourth umpire Mike Burns.
What prompted Pant's reaction on Day 3?
The incident took place in the 61st over of England's first innings. Harry Brook and Ben Stokes were batting and India complained about the shape of the ball. However, after passing the ball gauge test, the ball wasn't change which led to Pant's reaction.
What was said in commentary box in reaction to Pant's action?
Former India head coach Ravi Shastri understood the frustration behind Pant's action.
“When you start wanting to change the ball every now and then, it’s a clear indication that nothing’s happening. We want something to happen. And that was frustration from Pant,” Shastri said in the commentary box.
Meanwhile, former England cricketer Mark Butcher feels that Pant did not do the right thing. He feels that the umpire wasn't happy with Pant's angry reaction to his decision.
“I’m not sure there was any need for that. (We) know that he’s a showman and part of that is probably in order to get a reaction from the crowd, but I’m not sure Paul Reiffel appreciated it very much,” Butcher said.
Power-packed Day 5 awaits
On Day 5, England need 350 more runs to chase down the target of 371. Until and unless rain plays spoilsport, both sides have assured for a result as they are not interested in a drawn affair.