Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sri Lanka pacer Asitha Fernando have been sanctioned by the International Cricket Council (ICC) following their confrontation on Day 1 of the second Test in Colombo. Both players received fines of 25 percent of their match fees and one demerit point for breaching the code of conduct.
Jaiswal scored 45 off 53 balls, hitting nine boundaries, before Fernando bowled him during the morning session on Day 1 (Sunday, August 23) in Colombo. The Men in Blue scored 475/8 on Day 2 before rain interrupted play at the Sinhalese Sports Club. Dhruv Jurel remained unbeaten on 95 runs when play stopped.
ICC Sanctions Yashasvi Jaiswal and Asitha Fernando for Code of Conduct Breach
The ICC confirmed that Yashasvi Jaiswal and Asitha Fernando breached Article 2.12 of the ICC Code of Conduct. Both players admitted the offences and accepted the sanctions proposed by match referee Andy Pycroft, avoiding formal hearings.
"Both players were found to have breached Article 2.12 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to inappropriate physical contact with a Player, Player Support Personnel, Umpire, Match Referee or any other person (including a spectator during an International Match),” the statement read.
both players received fines of 25 percent of their match fees and one demerit point each. The ICC confirmed that neither player had committed an offence during the previous 24 months, so neither faced a suspension. Notably, the demerit points will remain on their disciplinary records for two years.
Heated On-Field Altercation Between Yashasvi Jaiswal and Asitha Fernando
The confrontation took place on the final ball of the 17th over during the morning session on Day 1. Yashasvi Jaiswal had attacked Asitha Fernando earlier in the over, hitting the pacer for three boundaries. Fernando responded with a sharp inswinger that took the inside edge and crashed into his off-stump.
Fernando then gave Jaiswal an animated send-off. The Indian opener stopped on his way back to the pavilion and turned towards the Sri Lankan pacer. Jaiswal walked back towards Fernando and the two exchanged words before the confrontation became more heated.
The two players moved towards each other and made head-to-head contact, with Jaiswal's helmet also involved in the clash. Sri Lankan captain Dhananjaya de Silva and Kamindu Mendis quickly stepped in and separated them before the situation escalated further.
Yashasvi Jaiswal's Recent Lean Patch in Test Cricket
Yashasvi Jaiswal has shown glimpses of his attacking style in Sri Lanka. He scored 32 off 37 balls in the first innings at Galle before making a duck in the second. He followed that with 45 off 53 balls in Colombo before Fernando dismissed Asitha Fernando.
The left-handed opener has crossed fifty only once in his last nine Test innings. During India’s home series against South Africa, he scored 12, 0, 58, and 13. He then made 24 against Afghanistan in Mullanpur.
Jaiswal will now look to convert his starts into a substantial score in India’s second innings in Colombo. The opener remains an important part of India’s Test batting plans, but he needs to show consistency, particularly with challenging Test assignments ahead.
Also read: "If you can't take it...": Yashasvi Jaiswal faces criticism after Asitha Fernando altercation
