ICC Reprimand Bresnan For Code Of Conduct Breach

	Tim Bresnan hits the stumps during England's World Cup tie with India © REUTERS / Action Images

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has handed England all-rounder Tim Bresnan a reprimand after he breached its Code of Conduct during England's Cricket World Cup match against India in Bangalore.

With the game heading towards its eventual outcome of a tie - both sides taking a point apiece from a gripping encounter - Bresnan hit the stumps with his bat after he was bowled by Piyush Chawla in the 48th over of England's innings.

He subsequently pleaded guilty to the Level One offence, having breached the part of the code relating to "abuse of cricket equipment of clothing, ground equipment or fixtures and fittings".

Match referee Roshan Mahanama brought the charge against Bresnan, and he explained:

"While giving my verdict, I took into account that Bresnan admitted his mistake, apologised for his action and that it was his first offence.

"Further, it was encouraging to note that Bresnan on his own initiative met the umpires concerned and reiterated that his action was unintentional.

"However, there is no room for this type of action in our great sport and cricketers are always expected to play the game in the true spirit of cricket. These cricketers are role models of millions of aspiring cricketers."

Level One offences carry penalties ranging from a reprimand to a fine of up to 50 percent of a player's match fee.

He becomes the second player in the tournament to be reprimanded by the ICC for such an offence following Australian captain Ricky Ponting, who inadvertently damaged a television following his dismissal against Zimbabwe.

Furthermore, England were fined for maintaining a slow over-rate after they were found to be one over short of their target during India's innings of 338 all out.

As such, the players were fined ten percent of their match fee and captain Andrew Strauss had his fine doubled to 20 percent.

® Cricket World 2011