India's ace pacer Mohammed Siraj has faced disciplinary action from International Cricket Council (ICC) for his aggressive send off to Ben Duckett on Day 4 of the third Test between India and England at Lord's. Siraj was fined 15 percent of his match fee for a breach of the ICC's Code of Conduct. The penalty was imposed due to his aggressive celebration following the dismissal of England's opener Ben Duckett, on the fourth day of the match.
Mohammed Siraj fined 15 per cent of match fee after aggressive send off to Ben Duckett
The specific incident occurred in the sixth over of England's second innings on Sunday. After Duckett was caught by Jasprit Bumrah off Siraj's bowling for 12 runs, Siraj celebrated in close proximity to the departing batsman. In his follow-through, he made physical contact with Duckett, an act deemed to be in violation of Article 2.5 of the ICC Code of Conduct. This article pertains to the use of language, actions, or gestures that could disparage or provoke an aggressive reaction from a dismissed batter.
In addition to the penalty, Siraj also received one demerit point, which has been added to his disciplinary record. This marked his second offense within a 24-month period, bringing his total to two demerit points. Under ICC regulations, the accumulation of four or more demerit points within a two-year span results in a player receiving suspension points, which can lead to a ban from international matches.
"Siraj was guilty of breaching Article 2.5 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to “using language, actions or gestures which disparage or which could provoke an aggressive reaction from a batter upon his/her dismissal during an International Match,” ICC's statement read.
Talking about the match, the third Test is poised for a thrilling finish and action-packed drama is anticipated on Day 5. In a late surge, England captured three quick wickets, leaving India in a precarious position at 58/4 as the visitors pursue a target of 193 runs for victory. The late flurry of wickets has swung the momentum, setting up a tense and decisive final day.
Earlier, England's second innings was anchored by a resilient partnership between Joe Root, who had scored a century in the first innings, and captain Ben Stokes. The pair added a crucial 67 runs before Washington Sundar made a vital breakthrough, bowling Root for 40. Sundar continued his impressive spell, also dismissing the in-form Jamie Smith, which left England at 175 for six at the tea break. His exceptional bowling, culminating in figures of 4 for 22, which is his best in overseas Tests, was instrumental in bowling England out for 192 in the final session.
India's chase began on a challenging note, with Yashasvi Jaiswal dismissed for a duck by Jofra Archer for the second time in the match. A brief partnership between KL Rahul and Karun Nair brought some stability before a lapse in concentration led to Nair's dismissal, opening the door for an English comeback. The pressure mounted as captain Shubman Gill was trapped lbw by Brydon Carse. In a strategic move, India sent in Akash Deep as a nightwatchman, but he was dismissed by Ben Stokes just before the close of play.