Jayden Seales Fined for Code of Conduct Breach During Delhi Test

West Indies fast bowler Jayden Seales has been fined 25 percent of his match fee for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct during the ongoing Test match against India in Delhi. In addition to the financial penalty, Seales has also received a demerit point — his second in a 24-month period. His first demerit point was issued during a Test match against Bangladesh in December last year.

The incident occurred on Day 1 of the Test, during the 29th over of India's innings. After fielding the ball off his own bowling, Seales threw it back in the direction of Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, striking him on the pads. The act was deemed to be in violation of Article 2.9 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which deals with "throwing a ball (or any other item of cricket equipment) at or near a player in an inappropriate and/or dangerous manner during an International Match."

Although Seales contested the charge, claiming he was attempting to run out the batter, match referee Andy Pycroft ruled against him after reviewing video footage of the incident. Pycroft concluded that the throw was unnecessary and inappropriate given the context of the play.

Since Seales chose to challenge the proposed sanction, a formal hearing was held before the penalty was confirmed. The 24-year-old pacer now stands two demerit points away from potential suspension, with four demerit points within a 24-month period leading to a ban from international cricket.

The West Indies team will be hoping to avoid further disciplinary issues as the series against India progresses.