West Indies pacer Jayden Seales has been fined 15% of his match fee and handed one demerit point by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for a fiery send-off directed at Australian captain Pat Cummins during the first Test in Barbados. The incident occurred on Day 1, when Seales dismissed Cummins in the 55th over and gestured toward the pavilion—an act deemed a Level 1 breach of the ICC Code of Conduct.
⚖️ ICC Sanction and Code Violation
Seales was found guilty of violating Article 2.5, which pertains to “using language, actions or gestures which disparage or could provoke an aggressive reaction from a batter upon dismissal.” The charge was leveled by on-field umpires Richard Kettleborough and Nitin Menon, third umpire Adrian Holdstock, and fourth umpire Gregory Brathwaite.
“It did not really mean anything… it was more a bit of frustration,” Seales later explained, noting that Cummins had struck a few solid shots off him before the dismissal.
This marks Seales’ second disciplinary offense in 24 months, bringing his total demerit points to two. His previous infraction occurred during a Test against Bangladesh in December 2024.
🔥 Match Tensions and Umpiring Controversy
The Barbados Test has been marred by controversial umpiring decisions, with West Indies coach Daren Sammy confronting match referee Javagal Srinath over perceived inconsistencies in DRS calls. The Seales-Cummins incident added to the tension, as both teams expressed concerns over TV umpire Adrian Holdstock’s decisions.
🏏 On-Field Impact
Despite the disciplinary setback, Seales delivered a stellar performance, claiming a five-wicket haul to help bowl out Australia for 180 in the first innings. At stumps on Day 2, Australia were 92/4, leading by 82 runs, with the match finely poised.
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