Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sri Lankan quick bowler Asitha Fernando has been fined 25 per cent of their match fees after a heated exchange on the opening day of the second Test in Colombo. The International Cricket Council intervened when an intense moment between players escalated into on-field contact.
The incident occurred in the 17th over of India's first innings, when Fernando got the better of Jaiswal and sent him packing. Instead of marching straight back to the pavilion, Jaiswal went around to face the bowler, and the two exchanged words. Things quickly went over the line when Fernando moved his head towards Jaiswal, with the Indian batter leaning right back into him, leading to head-to-head contact between the two.
Both players were charged by Match Referee Andy Pycroft under Article 2.12 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which deals with inappropriate physical contact during international matches. Jaiswal and Fernando were also given one demerit point each and forfeited a quarter of their match fee. Since neither player has had any disciplinary marks on their records over the past two years, this is a fresh offence for both. Jaiswal and Fernando acknowledged their error and quickly agreed to the sanctions offered.
The clash was a show of competitive rivalry between the two sides in this World Test Championship fixture. Once play resumed following the rain delay, Dhruv Jurel survived a tense run-out chance on 99 to complete his second Test century, remaining unbeaten on 115. Skipper Shubman Gill then declared India's first innings at 503 for 9. India’s bowlers immediately pressed the advantage before the end of Day 2, with early strikes from Prasidh Krishna and Manav Suthar reducing Sri Lanka to 8 for 2 and leaving the hosts trailing by 495 runs.
ICC Code of Conduct for Physical Contact
Article 2.12 of the ICC Code of Conduct penalises any avoidable physical contact with players, umpires, support staff or spectators during an international cricket match depending on the intent and severity. Light shoulder bumps or head-to-head confrontations, minor, reckless, or heat-of-the-moment contact, are a Level 1 breach, carrying an official reprimand, 1-2 demerit points, and a fine of up to 50% of the match fee.
Conversely, intentional, violent, or hard contact is a Level 2 breach, with fines ranging from 50% to 100% of the match fee and up to two suspension points. Match officials review footage of the match to determine whether the contact was an unavoidable accident or an aggressive violation, and then take appropriate disciplinary action.
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