England all-rounder Moeen Ali has been penalized for violating the ICC Code of Conduct during the first Ashes Test against Australia. The breach pertained to Article 2.20, which deals with conduct contrary to the spirit of the game.
Following this violation, Moeen Ali has received a demerit point, which is his first offense in the past two years. The incident occurred during the 89th over of Australia’s initial innings at Edgbaston, where Moeen was seen applying a drying agent to his bowling hand while fielding near the boundary line.
Moeen Ali faces a fine after applying a drying agent to his bowling hand while fielding at the boundary line.#SKY11 #MoeenAli #Ashes23 #Ashes2023 #Cricket #England #Australia pic.twitter.com/HnaR4K3fHZ
— Sky11 (@sky11official) June 18, 2023
Acknowledging his wrongdoing, Moeen admitted the offense and accepted the proposed penalty from Andy Pycroft, the match referee from the Emirates ICC Elite Panel. Consequently, no formal hearing was required.
The match referee determined that the cream was used solely for drying Moeen’s hands, and it had not been applied as an artificial substance to the ball. Therefore, it did not alter the ball’s condition, which would have violated clause 41.3 of the ICC playing conditions regarding unfair play and changing the ball’s condition.
What was that Moeen Ali.. 🥹#ENGvAUS #Ashes #Ashes23 pic.twitter.com/dATMqppgXQ
— Abu Zaid Sarooji (@Sarooji_) June 17, 2023
The charge was brought against Moeen by on-field umpires Ahsan Raza and Marais Erasmus, supported by third umpire Chris Gaffaney and fourth umpire Mike Burns.
For Level 1 breaches like this, the penalties can range from an official reprimand to a maximum fine of 50% of the player’s match fee, in addition to one or two demerit points.
Moeen Ali’s breach serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding the spirit of the game and complying with the ICC Code of Conduct.
Meanwhile if we talk about the first test of the Ashes 2023 at Edgbaston then Day 4 is currently underway with England playing their 2nd innings. The hosts declared for 393 run in the 1st innings with Australia scoring 386 runs in their 1st innings.
Ben Stokes’ side will aim to set up a huge total in front of the Aussies as only a Day’s game is left.
