Australian pacer Mitchell Starc reprimanded for Murali Vijay 'send off'

Australian left-arm fast bowler Mitchell Starc has been issued an 'official reprimand' after committing a Level 1 breach of the ICC Code of Conduct during the second day's play in the fourth Test against India in Sydney on Tuesday.

Starc admitted to a breach of Article 2.1.8 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which provides that an offence will be committed where a player engages in "… conduct that either : (a) is contrary to the spirit of the game; or (b) brings the game into disrepute." After claiming the wicket of India batsman Murali Vijay, Starc engaged in an exaggerated celebration in front of the dismissed batsman.

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The charge was laid by on-field umpires Kumar Dharmasena and Richard Kettleborough of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Umpires, Third Umpire Simon Fry from the Emirates International Panel of ICC Umpires and Fourth Umpire Gerard Abood. Starc accepted the offence and the proposed sanction of an official reprimand, and therefore, a formal hearing was not required.

ICC Match Referee Mahanama said: "The match officials felt that the player's behaviour was not appropriate, and he was reminded of his responsibilities to extend respect to his opponent and to play within the spirit of the game at all times."