BBL 2020-21: Mitchell Marsh fined $5000 for his angry reaction to an umpiring decision

There are many things that can happen in the heat of the moment, especially in sport. There is the adrenaline rush to win a game for your side, and in that unbridled passion, players can sometimes cross the line. And, in the Qualifier match between the Perth Scorchers and the Sydney Sixers in the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL), a similar incident occurred, where Mitchell Marsh was visibly seen to be frustrated and gutted with the umpire’s decision. The drama took place off the fifth ball of the 13th over.

Left-arm spinner Steve O’Keefe bowled a delivery that strayed down the leg side, and Marsh looked to flick it. Even though it looked as if the batsman did not get any bat on ball, the umpire raised the finger. Marsh was furious. He raised his arms in disgust, and even threw some angry words directly at the umpire, before walking away.

Now, Marsh has to face the consequences for his actions. The all-rounder was fined $5000 under the Cricket Australia Code of Conduct, and a Level 2 offence was also charged on him.

“Marsh was charged by match referee Bob Stratford under Article 2.8 of the Code of Conduct for showing dissent at an umpire’s decision during a match. Marsh accepted the charge and proposed sanction of a $5000 fine,” read a statement released by Cricket Australia.

Marsh agrees that his reaction was unacceptable

Marsh also came out and said that he accepted the fine that was levied on him. The Perth Scorchers’ player also stated that his reaction was unacceptable, and it was not the ideal example to set to a youngster watching the game. He further added that he has complete respect for the umpires and their job and concluded by stating that he will learn from this mistake.

“I accept the fine handed down to me, my reaction to the umpire’s decision was unacceptable and not the example I want to be setting for any young cricketer. I have complete respect for the umpires and the job they do. I’ll learn from this and look forward to Thursday night’s match,” read his statement.

As far as the match is concerned, the Sydney Sixers thrashed the Perth Scorchers by 9 wickets and 18 balls to spare. After restricting the Scorchers for a total of 167, the Sixers romped home with ease, courtesy of a blistering 53 ball unbeaten 98 by opener James Vince. His opening partner Josh Philippe, contributed a handsome 45 as the openers put on a match winning stand of 92 runs.