WI vs AUS: ICC Punish West Indies Pacer Jayden Seales for Behaviour Against Pat Cummins

West Indies fast bowler Jayden Seales has been fined 15% of his match fee for giving a fiery send-off to Australia captain Pat Cummins during the Barbados Test.

The incident happened on Day 1 of the first Test when Seales dismissed Cummins and pointed towards the pavilion in a heated gesture. This act led to a breach of Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct.

Seales has also received one demerit point for the offence. As this is his second disciplinary issue within 24 months, he now has two demerit points on record. His previous offence was during a Test match against Bangladesh in December 2024.

What Rule Did Seales Breach?

The West Indies pacer was charged under Article 2.5 of the ICC Code of Conduct. This rule deals with using language or gestures that can provoke an aggressive reaction from a batter after dismissal.

Seales accepted the punishment, so there was no need for a formal hearing. The charge was brought forward by on-field umpires Richard Kettleborough and Nitin Menon, third umpire Adrian Holdstock, and fourth umpire Gregory Brathwaite.

Match referee Javagal Srinath confirmed the fine and the demerit point. Level 1 breaches usually carry a fine of up to 50% of the match fee and one or two demerit points, depending on the severity.

What Exactly Happened?

In the 55th over of Australia’s first innings, Jayden Seales bowled out Pat Cummins. Immediately after the dismissal, Seales pointed sharply toward the dressing room in an animated celebration. Though Cummins didn’t react, the umpires deemed the gesture aggressive enough to be penalised.

Match Situation and More Controversy

At stumps on Day 2, Australia were 92/4, holding an 82-run lead over the hosts. The Test has already seen multiple controversies, not just this send-off. Umpire Adrian Holdstock has come under fire for inconsistent DRS decisions.

West Indies coach Daren Sammy even met with match referee Srinath after the day’s play. Speaking to reporters, Sammy said that all he wanted was consistency in decisions, especially when it comes to DRS usage.