Australian star penalised for using inappropriate language in AUS vs SA 1st ODI

Australian leg-spinner Adam Zampa has been penalised for using inappropriate language during the three-match home ODI series opener against South Africa last Tuesday (August 19) at Cairns, where the Proteas won by 98 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the series. 

Adam Zampa's inappropriate language was picked up on the stump microphone and broadcast

During the 37th over of the first innings of the match, the 33-year-old Australian leg-spinner Adam Zampa used inappropriate language after a misfield and overthrow during his bowling. That language was picked up on the stump microphone and broadcast.

After that match, Zampa was reprimanded for being found guilty of having breached Article 2.3 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel that relates to “use of an audible obscenity during an International Match.” It was his first offence in the last 24 months. While it was a breach of Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct, Zampa has been penalised one demerit point, which he has to carry on for the next 24 months. 

The sanction was proposed by the match referee Andy Pycroft. As Zampa accepted the official sanction after admitting the reported offence, there was no formal hearing required. 

In the case of a Level 1 breach of the ICC Code of Conduct, a player faces a penalty of a maximum of 50 per cent of the player's match fees and one or two demerit points. 

See Also: Star South Africa player reported for suspect bowling action

Keshav Maharaj was hero with the ball in AUS vs SA first ODI

With the help of three half-centuries, South Africa scored 296/8 in 50 overs. While Travis Head (4/57) picked up four wickets, Ben Dwarshuis (2/53) and Adam Zampa (1/58) were the other Aussie bowlers to pick up at least one wicket. In reply, Australia were bowled out for only 198 runs, where the 35-year-old left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj recorded his first ODI fifer with the bowling figures of 10-1-33-5.