Indian fast bowler Mohammed Siraj has been fined by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for violating the Code of Conduct on the fourth day of the third Test against England at Lord's. Siraj was fined 15% of his match fee for an excessive celebration after bowling England opener Ben Duckett.
The incident occurred during the sixth over of England's second innings on Sunday. Duckett, seeking to make dominance his early claim on Day 4, tried lofting a back-of-length ball from Siraj down the ground.
The ball, though, kissed the inside edge and was easily pouched by Jasprit Bumrah at mid-on. Siraj, in the moment, celebrated with vigour and moved towards Duckett in his follow-through, lightly touching the departing batter while he made his way down to the pavilion.
The ICC held Siraj guilty of a breach of Article 2.5 of the Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which deals with "using language, action or gestures which bring the game into disrespect or which could provoke an aggressive response from a batter when he/she is being dismissed during an International Match."
Along with the fine, Siraj was given one demerit point for the offence—his second within the last two years—to take him to two within the existing 24-month cycle. Under ICC regulations, if a player accumulates four or more demerit points in two years' time, they are converted into suspension points, which will result in a ban.
Regarding the match, a thrilling concluding session on Day 4 has placed the platform for an exciting fifth day. England, who were defending a modest target, took three Indian wickets swiftly in a blazing final half-hour, leaving Indians struggling at 58 for four in their chase of 193 runs for a win.
Joe Root and Ben Stokes had earlier put on a gritty 67-run stand following England's early fall of wickets. Root, fresh from a century in the first innings, appeared set for another hefty score but was bowled for 40 by Washington Sundar. Sundar was deadly in the middle session, also getting rid of the aggressive Jamie Smith for a mere eight. He finished with scintillating figures of 4 for 22—his career best in foreign conditions—to get the last wicket of Shoaib Bashir as England were bowled out for 192.
India's batting reply got off to a shaky beginning. Jofra Archer dismissed Yashasvi Jaiswal for the second duck in the match once more. KL Rahul and Karun Nair tried to steady the ship, but their stay was brief. Nair's loose shot gave the Indians the doorway through which England poured in. Shubman Gill's arrival just made the situation worse. Gill was dismissed lbw by Brydon Carse in a smart tactical move by the English.
With minutes remaining in the day, India sent in Akash Deep to act as nightwatchman, praying to make it through to Stumps. However, Ben Stokes added the final insult by sending him back just before the close of play.
India now need 135 runs with six wickets remaining to take the series to 2-1, with England hoping to cash in on their late resurgence as they approach the final day at Lord's.
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