Yashasvi Jaiswal and Asitha Fernando have each been fined 25% of their match fee and given one demerit point after making head contact on the opening day of the second Test between Sri Lanka and India in Colombo. The Jaiswal Asitha Fernando flashpoint left both men in breach of Article 2.12 of the ICC code of conduct, which covers “inappropriate physical contact”.
What the ICC said about the Jaiswal Asitha Fernando incident
The confrontation followed Asitha’s dismissal of Jaiswal off the last ball of the 17th over on Sunday morning, ESPNcricinfo reported. Jaiswal, who had made 45 from 53 balls and was leaving the field with India 66 for 2, appeared to change direction and move towards a celebrating Sri Lanka huddle.
“Jaiswal walked towards Fernando and the two exchanged words, following which Fernando moved his head towards Jaiswal,” the ICC statement said. “In response, Jaiswal leant in, resulting in their heads making contact.”
Neither player had picked up a demerit point for a similar offence in the previous 24 months. A Level 1 breach carries anything from an official reprimand to half a player’s match fee.
India press on in Colombo
The sanctions have done little to disturb the tourists, 1-0 up after winning in Galle by 165 runs and playing without Sai Sudharsan, ruled out with a toe injury. Devdutt Padikkal’s 117 took India to 300 for 5 on day one, ESPNcricinfo reported, with Asitha the pick of the home attack on 3 for 46. AP News reported they had reached 419 for 6 by lunch on day two.
Both sides are chasing World Test Championship points in a cycle Australia lead, and in which England are also climbing after their innings win at Headingley.
