Jasprit Bumrah was involved in a tense interaction with Ollie Pope on the fourth morning of the Hyderabad Test, moving into the England No.3’s path as he ran a single and later apologising.
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Bumrah could be seen apologising, but his actions may yet incur the interest of the ICC match referee Andy Pycroft.
The incident occurred on the fourth ball of the 81st over, with India delaying taking the second new ball. For once, Pope missed with his attempted stroke, the ball hitting his pad and rolling away for a leg bye.
As he ran through for a single, Bumrah took a small, but clear, step towards Pope, starting outside the pitch and putting one foot inside it. Pope and Bumrah’s shoulders made contact, with words exchanged in the aftermath.
Bumrah later seemed to apologise to Pope, holding up a hand as the conversation continued. However, he could still be in trouble.
Ollie Pope goes for 196 from 278 balls, and India need 231 to win. India's fielders shake his hand on the way off. That's lunch.
— Will Macpherson (@willis_macp) January 28, 2024
The ICC Code of Conduct bars “any form of inappropriate physical contact” and makes clear that, even if possibly unintentional, it is not allowed to “negligently walk or run into or shoulder another player”.
Being charged with such an offence can only be a level one or two violation of the ICC Code of Conduct, with levels three or four reserved for inappropriate physical contact with match officials. The most severe possible punishment is two suspension points, but precedent suggests receiving one or two demerit points is more likely.
Four demerit points, if accrued in a rolling 24-month period, incurs a suspension. Bumrah has no active demerit points on his record.
Bumrah later dismissed Pope for 196 as England were bowled out for 420, setting up a target of 231 for India in the fourth innings.
