Johannesburg – England’s Reece Topley has received an official reprimand for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct during the first Twenty20 International against South Africa in Cape Town on Friday.
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”.
The incident happened on the final ball of the match when Topley smashed the stumps in disappointment and frustration after he fumbled a throw from long-off, which would have forced a Super Over. Instead, South Africa won the match by three wickets to go one-up in the two-match series.
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.
For all first offences, Level 1 breaches carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand and a maximum penalty of 50 percent of a player’s match fee.
– ANA