Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sri Lankan pacer Asitha Fernando have been fined 25% of their match fees. The duo have been handed one demerit point each due to an on-field altercation on Day 1 of the second India versus Sri Lanka Test in Colombo on Sunday.
Both players were given the fine and the demerit point added to their disciplinary records due to ‘inappropriate physical contact’ on the field. ICC described the incident as ‘a confrontation’ which took place after Asitha dismissed Yashasvi off the last ball of the 17th over on the first morning.
Yashasvi Jaiswal And Asitha Fernando’s Altercation
Jaiswal had been on the way to the dressing room before he changed track and moved towards the Sri Lankan celebratory huddle of which Asitha Fernando was a central figure. The Indian opener seemed incensed, presumably in response to the words that came from Fernando and the Sri Lankans.
“Jaiswal walked towards Fernando and the two exchanged words, following which Fernando moved his head towards Jaiswal,” the statement described from ICC. “In response, Jaiswal leant in, resulting in their heads making contact.” Video evidence however showed that Yashasvi Jaiswal initiated the physical contact while Asitha Fernando didn’t seem to back down either.
ICC Takes a Decision Regarding the On-Field Incident
After his dismissal, Jaiswal had turned around and walked towards Asitha, who also took a step towards the batter. That was when Jaiswal leaned his helmeted head towards Fernando, resulting in the abovementioned ‘physical contact.’ The conduct of both players was seen as a breach of Article 2.12 of the ICC’s Code of Conduct for players and player support personnel. A Level 1 breach carries a minimum penalty of an official reprimand, and a maximum penalty of 50% deduction in match fees, and one or two demerit points.
Neither Yashasvi Jaiswal nor Asitha Fernando had committed similar offences that involved a demerit point in the 24 months leading up to Sunday. India are up 1-0 in the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka after winning the first Test in Galle by 165 runs. Sri Lanka are trailing by 238 runs with 2 wickets in hand as their main aim would be to clear the potential follow on on Day 4.
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