India opener Pratika Rawal has been fined 10% of her match fee for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct during the first ODI against England in Southampton on Wednesday, after two separate incidents during her innings.
In a match that was edgy at times, Rawal was deemed to have made inappropriate physical contact, following two separate incidents which took place within a short period. In the 18th over, she made avoidable physical contact with bowler Lauren Filer while running a single, and after being dismissed in the next over, she made similar avoidable contact with bowler Sophie Ecclestone on her way back to the pavilion.
On the first occasion, while running towards the non-striker end, she brushed her shoulder with the back of Filer, who was standing in her follow through and didn’t change direction. Both players had their arms spread after incident. Shortly after, when an arm-ball dismissed Rawal, Ecclestone clapped in the direction of the batter and as the Indian walked back, she brushed shoulder with the England bowler.
Rawal was found to have breached Article 2.12 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to “inappropriate physical contact with a Player, Player Support Personnel, Umpire, Match Referee or any other person (including a spectator during an International Match).”
In addition to this, one demerit point has been added to Rawal’s disciplinary record, for whom it was the first offence in a 24-month period.
Meanwhile, the England team were fined 5% of their match fee for maintaining a slow over-rate as they were ruled to be one over short of the target after time allowances were taken into consideration.
In accordance with Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to minimum over-rate offences, players are fined 5% of their match fee for every over their side fails to bowl in the allotted time.
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Rawal and England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt admitted the offences and accepted the sanctions proposed by Sarah Bartlett of the Emirates ICC International Panel of Match Referees, so there was no need for formal hearings. On-field umpires Sue Redfern and Jacquline Williams, third umpire Anna Harris and fourth umpire Rob White levelled the charges.
Level 1 breaches carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand, a maximum penalty of 50% of a player’s match fee, and one or two demerit points. When a player reaches four or more demerit points within a 24-month period, they are converted into suspension points and a player is banned. Two suspension points equate to a ban from one Test or two ODIs or two T20Is, whatever comes first for the player. Demerit Points to remain on a Player or Player Support Personnel’s disciplinary record for a period of twenty-four (24) months from their imposition following which they will be expunged
