ICC Clamps Down on Dale Steyn and Kemar Roach
The International Cricket Council has taken strong exception to the breach of code of conduct by two fiery fast bowlers during the third South Africa-West Indies test match at Bridgetown, Barbados which was eventually won by the Proteas by seven wickets.
The win gave the Proteas a two-nil win in the three test match series, after their resounding 2-0 and 5-0 wins in the T20 and 50-overs formats.
The third test was a feisty affair with both teams going for the jugular in what was the last match of a two-month long tour that also included the T20 World Championship which was won by England.
Two serious incidents marred the series that was otherwise played in good spirits.
South Africa’s leading fast bowler Dale Steyn has been handed over a 100 percent fine of his match fee for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct during his country’s third Test match against the West Indies.
The fast bowler, who was named as the man-of-the-series for his outstanding performances with the ball, pleaded guilty for spitting in the direction of West Indian slow bowler Suleiman Benn during the third day of the final test.
The pace spearhead of the visitors was found to have committed a Level 2 breach of the code contrary to clause 2.2.11.
The clause is specifically made for offences of a serious nature which are considered as “contrary to the spirit of the game”.
Steyn lost his temper as he was heading to the pavilion after being clean bowled by Kemar Roach during his team's South Africa’s first innings.
Incensed by Sulieman Benn, Steyn appeared to spit in the direction of Benn.
At the end of the day’s play, the charge was brought by on-field umpires Steve Davis and Simon Taufel, third umpire Asad Rauf and fourth official Clyde Duncan.
“Dale’s behaviour was entirely unacceptable and he knows that,” said Jeff Crowe of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees.
Match referee Geoff Crowe added that, “The fact that he was provoked by Sulieman during his time at the crease helps to explain his actions but cannot excuse them. This was an ugly moment of which I’m sure Dale is not proud”.
Meanwhile another fast bowler bore the brunt of his temperamental outburst during the third test match as West Indies quick Kemar Roach met a 50 per cent fine for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct.
Roach pleaded guilty to a Level 1 offence and accepted the 50 percent fine imposed on him by Jeff Crowe after the end of the test series on Tuesday.
Roach breached 2.1.8 of the code which deals with offences of minor nature and are considered “contrary to the spirit of the game”.
As was the case with Steyn, the charge was brought to the notice of the match referee by four match officials
“Kemar was involved in an unpleasant altercation in the final overs of the Test where he had to be pulled away by one of his fellow players”, said Crowe.
He added that Roach’s attitude was unacceptable as he had received warnings from the umpires and should have easily avoided his outburst. Crowe added that the West Indian quick ought to be careful due to his second breach of the clause of the code within a 12-month period.
The breach is namely between 50 per cent of his match fee up or the entire match fee. If something severe has occurred, the player could face a ban of one Test match or two ODIs.
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