England v India, 2nd Test, Trent Bridge, 4th day

Sreesanth fined for breaching ICC code

Cricinfo staff

July 30, 2007

Sreesanth and Michael Vaughan exchange opinions © Getty Images

Sreesanth, the Indian fast bowler, has been fined half his match fee for breaching clause 2.4 of the ICC Code of Conduct which relates to "inappropriate and deliberate physical contact between players in the course of play" during the fourth day of the second Test at Trent Bridge.

Sreesanth was charged for shoulder-barging Michael Vaughan during the first session of play on the fourth day. He pleaded guilty at a hearing convened by the match referee Ranjan Madugalle at the end of the day.

"Cricket is a non-contact sport and any deviation from that fact is completely unacceptable, a point I made to Sreesanth in handing down my verdict," Madugalle said. "I have no problem with players being combative on the field but there is a line they cannot cross and Sreesanth crossed that line when he barged past Michael Vaughan, a collision he had every opportunity to avoid.

"I am pleased that Sreesanth accepted he was in the wrong by pleading guilty and that he apologized for his actions and I hope he learns from his mistake here."

In December 2006, Sreesanth had been fined 30% of his match fee during India's tour of South Africa for "showing a lack of respect" towards Hashim Amla after dismissing him at Johannesburg.

© Cricinfo