‘Lash Benn too’

SOUTH AFRICA have asked the International Cricket Council (ICC) to take action against West Indies left-arm spinner Sulieman Benn after an altercation with one of their players in last week’s final Digicel Test match.It stems from an incident with fast bowler Dale Steyn, who was fined 100 per cent of his match fee for spitting at Benn on the third day of the match at Kensington Oval last Monday.While conceding that Steyn was in the wrong, the South Africans are contending that Benn should not go unpunished.On their return home from a highly successful trip in which they beat West Indies 2-0 in Tests, 5-0 in One-Day Internationals and 2-0 in Twenty20 Internationals, South Africa manager Mohammed Moosajee told reporters the team had laid a code of conduct charge against Benn.“Dale Steyn’s action was regrettable and he has apologised for it. But it came after lots of provocation and there was also retaliation after the incident.” Moosajee told a news conference in Johannesburg, “We have laid a code of conduct charge against Sulieman Benn with the ICC and that must now go through the judicial process.”In announcing the fine for Steyn, ICC match referee Jeff Crowe said the South Africa fast bowler was provoked by Benn.The incident took place when Steyn was dismissed by Kemar Roach in South Africa’s first innings. As he walked off, Steyn appeared to spit in the direction of Benn and, following the day’s play, a charge was brought by the umpires. “Dale’s behaviour was entirely unacceptable and he knows that,” Crowe said.“The fact that he was provoked by Sulieman during his time at the crease helps to explain his actions but cannot excuse them.”In another incident, West Indies fast bowler Kemar Roach was also fined 50 per cent of his match fee for an altercation with South Africa batsman Jacques Kallis on the fourth day of the match. Kallis escaped punishment. (HG)