Ben Stokes charged by ICC for using foul language
Ben Stokes has been reprimanded for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct during the second day’s play in the ongoing second Test against Windies on Saturday. In addition to the reprimand for his breach of Article 2.1.4, a demerit point has also been added to Stokes's record.
The incident took place in the 101st over of the Windies first innings, when Stokes reacted after being edged by Shai Hope for a boundary. He used some abusive words after the dismissal, which was clearly audible through the stump mic and was also heard by the match officials, as stated an ICC statement.
On-field umpires, Chris Gaffaney and S Ravi as well as Marais Erasmus, the third umpire, and Nick Cook, the fourth umpire, levelled the charge against Stokes. And, after the day’s play, Stokes admitted the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by match referee David Boon.
Stokes, penalised for “using language or a gesture that is obscene, offensive or insulting”, was given a demerit point, which took his total to three. If the Englishman reaches four or more within a 24-month period, they will be converted into suspension points and he will be banned.
The fiery all-rounder was involved in another slightly unsavoury incident on the first day as well when Shannon Gabriel sent some choice words in his direction after dismissing him for 100.