The bedevil so far…
Vernon Philander the Legendary fast seam bowler of South Africa walked off with a hamstring problem after bowling nine deliveries in his last bowling spell. It is said that he had a grade two tear and would bat in his last innings, try to add value to the team.
While after Vernon Philander becomes the fourth player to be fined in the series. ICC announced that Philander has been handed a demerit point and a fine of 15% of the match fee, which is the last International match of his career, for his send-off of Jos Buttler. An act of revenge on what happened previously where Buttler had a swearing at Philander during the second Test, calling him a ‘fucking knobhead’. Check the full story here.
A release said Philander had admitted his guilt on the charge of. This was identical to a punishment handed to Buttler, as well.
Recently, Kagiso Rabada received the same sentence for provoking Joe Root after dismissing him in the third Test at St George’s Park. He has accumulated four demerit points in 24 months, resulting in a ban of one Test match.
As so much was going on in the series, how could Ben Stokes stay out of the fun? Having fun with a bat and ball doesn’t suffice. After failing with the bat he got involved in a verbal spat with a spectator after his first-innings dismissal of the fourth test. Ben Stokes had yelled at a middle-aged spectator where he was caught saying, “Come say that to me outside the ground, you f***ing four-eyed c**t.” Ben Stokes’ verbal spat was picked up by the broadcaster but wasn’t telecasted live. However, it was shown later and then widely shared on social media. However, it is said that the fan had just said to him, ‘you look like Ed Sheeran.’ Is it ‘that uncool’ to be Ed Sheeran?
Ben Stokes might face disciplinary action for the same.
Ben Stokes, on his part, apologised for his outburst and said: “I wish to apologise for my language that was heard on the live broadcast today after my dismissal. I should not have reacted in that way. As I was leaving the playing area, I was subjected to repeated abuse from the crowd. I admit that my reaction was unprofessional, and I sincerely apologise for the language I used, especially to the many young fans watching the live telecast around the world. Throughout the Tests so far, the support from both sets of fans (England and South Africa) has been brilliant. One incident will not ruin such a competitive series, which we are determined to win.“
Ashley Giles, Managing Director for England Men’s Cricket, added: “It is disappointing that a member of the public has gone out of their way to abuse Ben as he was leaving the field. Ben is fully aware that he should not have reacted in the way that he did and apologises for his actions. In addition to this incident, members of our support staff were subjected to personal abuse during and after the day’s play. We have requested to the venue to ensure that security and stewarding are enhanced for the remainder of the match so that players’ and staff members can go about their duties without provocation.”
Ben Stokes might be found guilty of Article 2.3 of ICC’s CoC which relates to “use of an audible obscenity during an international match” if so, he gets one demerit point. The other violation that could be enforced- Article 3.3 relating to “threat of assault on a player, team official, or spectator”. If so the player could be handed out five or six demerit points and a suspension. Ben Stokes could also found guilty for “conduct that brings the game into disrepute”. As of now, Stokes has no active demerit points registered under his name.
