Published: Feb 20, 2016, 09:22 PM (IST)
Edited: Feb 20, 2016, 09:23 PM (IST)
England fast bowler Reece Topley has been reprimanded for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct during the first T20 International (T20I) against South Africa at Newlands, Cape Town. the incident took place in the final over of the match when Topley after failing to dislodge the bails with the ball in hand knocked the stumps off with his bare hands out of frustration. According to the ICC media release, The player was found to have breached Article 2.1.8 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to “abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment or fixtures and fittings during an International Match.” FULL CRICKET SCORECARD: South Africa vs England 2015-16, 1st T20I at Cape Town
Following the match, Topley admitted the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by Andy Pycroft of the Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees. As such, there was no need for a formal hearing. The charge was levelled by on-field umpires Johan Cloete and Shaun George, third umpire Adrian Holdstock and fourth official Dennis Smith. READ: Chris Morris final over heroics help South Africa defeat England by 3 wickets in 1st T20I
For all first offences, Level 1 breaches carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand and a maximum penalty of 50 per cent of a player’s match fee.
South Africa won the match by three wickets off the final ball. The second and the final T20I between the two sides will be played on Sunday. South Africa were set a target of 135 in the match. Chris Morris once again came to their rescue right in the end, smashing Topley for a boundary and a six in the last over to ease the pressure. He eventually finished with a 7-ball 17.
