Tabraiz Shamsi and Matthew Wade fined for physical altercation

South African chinaman Tabraiz Shamsi and Australian wicketkeeper Matthew Wade were handed a 25 percent fine of their match fees. Both the players were involved in a heated exchange of words. The incident took place during the 4th ODI at Port Elizabeth. Things went worse when they had a physical contact too.

South African skipper Faf du Plessis was quick to complain to the on-field umpires. Umpire Nigel Llong warned the players and the game moved on. It all happened in the 17th over of the Australian innings. Australia were already staring down at a low score after a top order collapse reeling at 52/5 by the end of 16th over.

Wade and Shamsi had a verbal exchange at the end of over. Things went grim when Wade had a physical contact with Shamsi on the fifth delivery of the 17th over. Apparently, Wade ran straight instead of going around Shamsi for the run. In the process, his elbow hit the bowler. Faf du Plessis was clearly disappointed with it and quickly pointed it to the umpires.

Both the on-field umpires converged to discuss the situation. Senior umpire Nigel Llong had a talk to both the players. It was after the match that both players were handed a fine of 25 percent.

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Shamsi and Wade were found guilty to have breached Article 2.1.1 of the ICC code of conduct which relates to “conduct that is contrary to the spirit of the game”, an International Cricket Council (ICC) release stated.In addition to that, they were also handed one demerit point each for their breach of the Code of Conduct. The rules for handling demerit points were revised in September and came into effect on 22 September.

As per the rules pursuant to Article 7.6 of the Code, if a player reaches four or more demerit points within a 24-month period, his demerit points will be converted into, at least, two suspension points which will equate to a ban from his next match or matches. Two suspension points equate to a ban from one Test or two ODIs or two T20Is, whatever comes first for the player.

Matthew Wade accepted the fine sanctioned by the ICC. Tabraiz Shamsi, however, has pleaded not guilty and is yet to accept the fine slapped on him.

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