West Indies coach Daren Sammy faces criticism for publicly rebuking third umpire Adrian Holdstock during the first Test against Australia in Barbados.
Daren Sammy Fined for Criticising Umpire During West Indies vs Australia Test
West Indies head coach Daren Sammy has been fined 15 percent of his match fees by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for publicly criticising third umpire Adrian Holdstock during the first Test against Australia at Kensington Oval, Barbados. The incident occurred on Day 2 of the match, resulting in a Level 1 breach of the ICC Code of Conduct.
According to the ICC’s official statement, Sammy violated Article 2.7 of the Code, which prohibits “public criticism of, or inappropriate comment in relation to an incident occurring in an International Match or any Player, Player Support Personnel, Match Official or team participating in any International Match, irrespective of when such criticism or inappropriate comment is made.”
Along with the fine, Sammy received one demerit point on his disciplinary record, marking his first offence within a 24-month period. Sammy accepted the charge and sanction proposed by match referee Javagal Srinath, eliminating the need for a formal hearing.
The charge was brought by on-field umpires Richard Kettleborough and Nitin Menon, third umpire Adrian Holdstock, and fourth umpire Gregory Brathwaite. Level 1 offences carry penalties ranging from an official reprimand to a fine of up to 50 percent of match fees, along with one or two demerit points.
What did Daren Sammy do?
In the first Test between West Indies and Australia, which Australia won by 159 runs, several umpiring decisions went against the hosts, with third umpire Adrian Holdstock facing particular criticism. Debatable calls led to the dismissals of Shai Hope and Roston Chase on Day 2, sparking frustration.
West Indies coach Daren Sammy did not hold back in expressing his displeasure after stumps on Day 2. He met with match referee Javagal Srinath to seek “consistency” in third umpiring decisions. “We are just trying to find some sort of understanding as to what the process is. We only hope for consistency. That’s all we could ask for. When there is doubt in something, just be consistent across the board,” Sammy told reporters.
He further added, “I have noticed, especially with this particular umpire, it’s something that for me started in England. It’s frustrating. I just ask for consistency in the decision-making.”
Australia secured a famous victory on Day 3, with Josh Hazlewood taking five wickets in the final innings, giving the visitors a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
