Jos Buttler Fined By ICC For Swearing At Vernon Philander

England wicketkeeper Jos Buttler has been fined 15% of his match fee by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for swearing during the second Test against South Africa. The England star had launched a scarcely believable x-rated rant at South Africa veteran Vernon Philander towards the end of the thrilling contest in Cape Town.

The ICC has now punished the England star by docking a part of his match fee.  The 29-year-old has also been given one demerit point. As per rules, players can be suspended if they accumulate four demerit points in a two-year period.

The incident:

With the game going right down to the wire, emotions got the better of Jos Buttler. The incident took place during the final session of the fifth day’s proceedings. With South Africa keeping five wickets intact at tea, England were desperately searching for wickets. And they did not take long to make early inroads in the last session.

They picked up two quick wickets to brighten up their chances of levelling the series. However, Philander was showing enough composure to frustrate the English players. And when the South Africa star came between a throw and Jos Buttler, the latter couldn’t help but object to the former failing to step out of the way so he could receive the throw.

“Get out the f***ing way,” said Jos Buttler with aggression, prompting Philander to stare back at him.

“F***ing move,” he continued. “You know it’s going to f***ing (inaudible), just move … f***ing k***head.”

First slip Ben Stokes backed his man, adding: “Don’t stare him out. He’s got a point, mate.”

Jos Buttler completed the tirade by suggesting the throw had some work to do to “f***ing, get past that f***ing gut” without Philander standing in the way.

England, meanwhile, went on beat South Africa by 189 to draw level in the four-match series.  The third Test of the four-match series begins on Thursday, 16 January in Port Elizabeth.

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