In a significant turn of events from the current Australia vs West Indies Test series, the International Cricket Council ICC fines Jayden Seales 15 per cent for showing a vicious send-off to Australian skipper Pat Cummins during the Barbados Test. The fine followed after Seales provided a fiery farewell to Cummins, resulting in a Level 1 violation of the ICC Code of Conduct.
Incident Details: Send-Off to Cummins Sparks Controversy
The infamous incident happened on Day 1 of the opening Test in the 55th over of Australia’s first innings. Seales, having sent Cummins back, gestured towards the pavilion in a provocative manner, which was considered against the spirit of the game.
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The ICC fined Seales according to Article 2.5 of the Code of Conduct, which is for “using language, actions or gestures which disparage or could provoke an aggressive reaction from a batter upon his/her dismissal.”
ICC Fines Jayden Seales in 24 Months
This is the second instance within two years that Seales has been disciplined. The 23-year-old paceman was initially issued a demerit point when he was involved in a Test match against Bangladesh on December 3, 2024, in Kingston, Jamaica. With the new offence, Seales has two demerit points against his name.
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The on-field umpires Richard Kettleborough and Nitin Menon leveled the charge formally, with assistance from third umpire Adrian Holdstock and fourth umpire Gregory Brathwaite.
No Formal Hearing Necessary Since Seales Accepts ICC Sanction
Seales agreed to the suggested penalty, thereby waiving a proper hearing. The punishment was completed by match referee Javagal Srinath, who listed the episode as a Level 1 offence. According to ICC regulations, Level 1 offences have a minimum official reprimand and a maximum 50% match fee imposition and 1-2 demerit points.
The Test has not only been in the news for Seales’ incendiary spell in which he registered a five-wicket haul but also for suspect umpiring calls. TV umpire Adrian Holdstock has faced the brunt of criticism for several questionable DRS decisions, with the West Indies camp in particular joining the chorus.
Even the West Indies head coach, Daren Sammy, went up to the match referee Srinath to demand greater consistency in DRS decisions, speaking about increasing concerns over standards of officiating.
Current Match Situation
With the Test ongoing, Australia finished Day 2 at 92/4, 82 runs ahead of West Indies, and thus preparing for a mouth-watering contest as the opening game of the three-Test series goes on in Barbados.
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