London [UK], July 14: Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj has been fined 15% of his match fee for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct during Day 4 of the third Test match between India and England at Lord’s Cricket Ground.
Siraj was found guilty of violating Article 2.5 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which addresses “using language, actions or gestures which disparage or which could provoke an aggressive reaction from a batter upon his/her dismissal during an International Match.”
The incident occurred after Siraj dismissed England’s opener Ben Duckett. During his follow-through, Siraj celebrated aggressively and made contact with Duckett as he began walking back to the dressing room at the iconic Lord’s long room.
As a result of the breach, one demerit point has also been added to Siraj’s disciplinary record. This is Siraj’s second offence in a 24-month period, taking his total tally to two demerit points. According to ICC regulations, accumulating four or more demerit points within two years leads to suspension points, which could result in a match ban.
The altercation was one of many tense moments in a Test match that has gripped fans and is set for a dramatic finish. India, chasing 193 runs for victory, ended Day 4 at 58/4, needing another 135 runs with six wickets in hand.
With the pitch deteriorating and England’s bowling attack looking sharp, Day 5 promises to be a nail-biting contest. The outcome at Lord’s could potentially decide the momentum of the series, with the winner taking a 2-1 lead heading into the final two Tests at Old Trafford and The Oval.