Bangalore, Feb 28 : England pacer Tim Bresnan has been reprimanded for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct by hitting the stumps with his bat after being dismissed in the World Cup match against India, which ended in a thrilling tie here. "England's Tim Bresnan has been officially reprimanded for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct during his side's tied match against India in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011," the ICC said in a statement.
Bresnan pleaded guilty to contravening Level 1 offence (Section 2.1.2) of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Team Officials which relates to "abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment or fixtures and fittings". The incident took place on the last ball of the 48th over when Bresnan, after he was clean bowled by Piyush Chawala, hit the stumps with his bat. As Bresnan accepted the decision without contest, there was no need for a hearing. "While giving my verdict, I took into account that Bresnan admitted his mistake, apologised for his action and that it was his first offence," Match Referee Roshan Mahanama said in a statement.
"Further, it was encouraging to note that Bresnan on his own initiative met the umpires concerned and reiterated that his action was unintentional. "However, there is no room for this type of action in our great sport and cricketers are always expected to play the game in the true spirit of cricket. These cricketers are role models of millions of aspiring cricketers." All Level 1 breaches carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand and/or a maximum penalty of the imposition of a fine up to 50 per cent of a player's match fee. The charge was brought by on-field umpires Billy Bowden and Marais Erasmus, third umpire Rod Tucker and fourth umpire Aleem Dar. PTI
