Cook annoyed by Stokes’ misconduct fine

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Ben Stokes of England has been fined 15 per cent of his match fee for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct during the second Test against Bangladesh in Mirpur on Sunday.

Stokes was found to have violated Article 2.1.1 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to ‘conduct that is contrary to the spirit of the game’.

The incident happened during the morning session’s play on Sunday when Stokes ignored the on-field umpires’ repeated requests and instructions to stop by continuing to verbally engage with Bangladesh batsman Sabbir Rahman.

The on-field umpires had also advised England captain Alastair Cook of Stokes’ actions, but the player didn’t comply with the instructions.

Cook was displeased with the fine, saying the umpires jumped the gun, and that the players were being entertaining more than anything malicious.

He said: “I do find it a little bit frustrating. Both Sabbir and Stokesy are very competitive cricketers. To me, people love it. That’s what people watch.

“Sometimes I believe the umpires can get involved too quickly, and then it blows up even more. When umpires get involved it can drag it out and brings more theatre to it than you need.”

In addition to the sanction imposed for his breach of Article 2.1.1, one demerit point has been added to Stokes’ disciplinary record.

If Stokes reaches four or more demerit points within a 24-month period, they will be converted into suspension points and he will be banned. Two suspension points equate to a ban from one Test or two ODIs or two T20Is, whatever comes first for the player.

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