ENGLAND'S TOUR OF SOUTH AFRICA, 2019-20

Philander fined, handed demerit point for Buttler send-off

by Telford Vice • Last updated on

Philander was fined 15% of his match fee and handed a demerit point. © AFP

Vernon Philander had insult added to injury in his final Test at the Wanderers on Sunday (January 26). The fast bowler limped off with a torn hamstring problem after bowling nine deliveries in England's second innings. Minutes later the ICC announced he had been fined and docked a demerit point for his send-off of Jos Buttler on Saturday.

South Africa coach Mark Boucher confirmed that Philander, who he said had a grade two tear, would bat in the home side's bid for what would be a world record chase of 466 with two days remaining: I'm sure that 'Vern', in his last innings, will definitely go out and bat and try and add value to the team."

A release said Philander had admitted his guilt on a charge of "using language, actions or gestures which disparage or which could provoke an aggressive reaction from a batter upon his/her dismissal during an international match".

After Buttler holed out in the covers to Philander, the South African could be seen giving Buttler a piece of his mind. What was said is not known, but it was no doubt related to Buttler calling Philander a "f*****g knobhead" during the second Test at Newlands. Philander was fined 15% of his match fee and docked a demerit point - the identical punishment handed to Buttler.

Kagiso Rabada received the same sentence for provoking Joe Root after dismissing him in the third Test at St George's Park, as did Ben Stokes for his verbal confrontation with a spectator at the Wanderers on Friday. Rabada was banned for the fourth Test because his demerit point triggered a ban.

© Cricbuzz

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