Benn banned

Sulieman Benn, centre, entered South Africa's dressing room on day three after an on-field incident with Dale Steyn, right

West Indies spinner Sulieman Benn has been handed a suspension for entering South Africa’s dressing room and arguing with the Proteas players and staff during his team’s third Test - in Barbados.

Benn pleaded guilty to a level two breach of the ICC code of conduct after admitting to behaviour that was “contrary to the spirit of the game”.

As it is his second breach in the last year, Benn has been banned for one Test, two one-day internationals or two Twenty20 internationals - whichever comes first.

The incident took place during the lunch interval on the third day of the match when Benn inappropriately and without invitation entered the opposition dressing room at the Kensington Oval.

An earlier on-field incident subsequently saw South Africa fast bowler Dale Steyn fined 100% of his match fee after being found guilty of spitting in the direction of Benn.

ICC match referee Mr Crowe said: “Whatever had gone on before Sulieman entered the Proteas’ dressing room, while helping to explain his behaviour, cannot justify it.”

“Clearly, Sulieman has acted inappropriately here and in a way that is contrary to the spirit of cricket.

“We like the game to be played in a competitive way but, whether on or off the field, players must treat the opposition and the game itself with respect.

“That did not happen on this occasion and Sulieman has paid the price.”

Crowe added: “Sulieman’s punishment was more severe than it might otherwise have been because this was not his first offence in the past 12 months.”