Ben Stokes has received an official reprimand for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct during the second day’s play in the Headingley Test.
Stokes was found to have breached Article 2.1.4 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to “using language or a gesture that is obscene, offensive or insulting during an International Match”.
In addition to the reprimand for his breach of Article 2.1.4, one demerit point has been added to Stokes’s disciplinary record.
Stokes is now on three demerit points and, if he reaches four or more demerit points within a 24-month period, they will be converted into suspension points and he will be banned.
The incident happened in the 101st over of the Windies innings, when Ben Stokes reacted in frustration after being edged by Shai Hope for a boundary by making an inappropriate comment which was clearly audible through the stump mic and also heard by the match officials.
After the end of Saturday’s play, Stokes admitted the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by David Boon of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees and, as such, there was no need for a formal hearing.