2nd Test: ‘If you don’t know what he said, don’t pass judgement’ – Jaiswal hits back after clash with Fernando
Colombo, Aug 24 (IANS) Breaking his silence following a fiery altercation with Sri Lankan pacer Asitha Fernando, India opener Yashasvi Jaiswal hit back by saying that observers should refrain from judging the incident without knowing the full context of what was said on the field.
The incident occurred during day one’s play of the second Test at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) Ground when Fernando gave Jaiswal an aggressive send-off after castling him for 45 with a fine nip-backer.
The exchange escalated quickly as Jaiswal turned back to confront the bowler, leading to a heated physical close-encounter, including some head-butting, before Sri Lanka captain Dhananjaya de Silva intervened to separate the duo
Responding to a Cricbuzz video on Instagram by commentator Harsha Bhogle, where he suggested that the left-handed batter should have simply walked away, Jaiswal defended his combative stance.
“If you don’t know what he said then please don’t make your judgment if anyone cross the line we need to let them know this India will fight and reply,” Jaiswal posted before leaving for day two’s play.
With match referee Andy Pycroft reviewing the incident, Jaiswal could face potential ICC Code of Conduct sanctions under Article 2.12 relating to inappropriate physical contact. If Jaiswal is indeed proved guilty, then the punishment (for a Level 1 offence) could range from an official reprimand to 50% of the match fee and 1 or 2 demerit points.
India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak had said in the post-day press conference that Jaiswal’s outburst might have happened in the ‘heat of the moment’ but maintained that he should not have made body contact with Fernando.
“I think they must have said something to him and it might have happened in the heat of the moment. Obviously, Jaiswal, I don’t think he should have been so close (to Fernando), but that happens when you are in the heat of the moment.”
Sri Lanka’s fast bowling coach Ryan van Niekerk had added that this was Pycroft’s case to look into such things. “The verbals are probably an overflow of emotion. I’ll leave that to the match referee to deal with.”
–IANS
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