Jayden Seales Fined by ICC for Provocative Gesture During West Indies-Australia Test

Jayden Seales Sanctioned for Conduct Breach in Test Match

West Indies fast bowler Jayden Seales has been penalized by the International Cricket Council (ICC), incurring a fine of 15 percent of his match fee. The sanction stems from a Level 1 breach of the ICC Code of Conduct during the first Test against Australia in Barbados.

Jayden Seales (middle) on Day 1 of the first Test between West Indies and Australia. (AP)

The incident, which led to the fine and a demerit point, occurred when Seales made a visible gesture directed towards the Australian dressing room after dismissing their captain, Pat Cummins, at Kensington Oval.

The ICC determined that Seales's actions violated Article 2.5 of the Code of Conduct. This article specifically addresses the use of actions or gestures that could potentially incite an aggressive response from a batter who has just been dismissed in an international match.

When approached about the incident at the close of play, Seales attempted to minimize the situation. "It did not really mean anything and it was more a bit of frustration. Pat hit a couple of good shots off me and I just showed him where the dressing room was and there wasn't really anything in it," Seales stated.

In addition to the financial penalty, Seales received one demerit point. This marks his second offense within a 24-month period, bringing his total demerit points to two.

Despite the controversy, Seales and the rest of the West Indies bowling attack displayed resilience on the second day of the Test match against Australia.

The hosts managed to secure a slender 10-run lead in the first innings, bolstered by a crucial 67-run partnership for the sixth wicket. This partnership featured Shai Hope, who contributed 48 runs, and captain Roston Chase, who added 44.

Australia's second innings began tentatively, reaching 92 for the loss of 4 wickets, giving them an overall lead of 82 runs. Seales further contributed to his team's performance by claiming his sixth wicket of the match, dismissing Josh Inglis for 12.

Heading into day three, the match remains finely poised, with Travis Head (13) and Beau Webster (19) scheduled to resume batting for Australia.