Cricket News

‘Sandpaper 2.0’ – Fans react as Moeen Ali gets fined for applying ‘drying agent’ on hand during 1st Ashes Test

Published on June 18, 2023

England all-rounder Moeen Ali, who came out of retirement to feature in the 2023 Ashes series, got fined by the Apex Cricket Council for applying a drying agent on hand during the ongoing first match of the series in Birmingham. Notably, the 36-year-old decided to bid adieu to the longest after the English summer in 2021. However, he reversed his decision for the ongoing series against Australia after a discussion with the skipper Ben Stokes and the coach Brendon McCullum.

The incident took place in the 89th over of the Australian first inning when the off-spinner was caught applying a drying agent to his bowling hand at the boundary line while fielding. However, Moeen accepted the offence and the sanction proposed by Andy Pycroft of the Emirates of Elite Panel of Match Referees of Cricket Governing Body. There was also no formal hearing as the cricketer already accepted the offence.

However, the match referee was also convinced that the drying agent was only applied on the finger and not and not as an artificial substance to the ball. If he would have done that, it would have been in breach of clause 41.3 of the playing condition by the Apex Council. – Unfair Play – The Match Ball – Changing its Condition. The on-field umpire including Ahsan Raza and Marais Erasmus, third umpire Chris Gaffaney and fourth umpire Mike Burns levelled the charge.

Australia in a commendable position to take lead in the first innings

Talking about the ongoing match at the Edgbaston Stadium in Birmingham, England declared their first innings on 393 runs for the loss of 8 wickets. Joe Root shined with his 30th Test century as he remained unbeaten on 118 runs off 152 balls. While Jonny Bairstow got out after a run-a-ball 78 runs.

In reply, Australia have scored 311 runs losing 5 wickets so far by the end of Day 2. Usman Khawaja is still unbeaten on 126 runs off 279 balls along with Alex Carey who has scored 52 runs off 80 balls so far. Australia are currently trailing by 82 runs from England’s total with 5 wickets in hand.

Here’s how Twitter reacted:

RCB blood 🤢 pic.twitter.com/2yYWbxFWSO
— AR (@31_F0REVER_) June 18, 2023

Detailed https://t.co/4loZAZ18B1
— Vipin Tiwari (@vipintiwari952) June 18, 2023

ICC should impose more strict punishment. It's not abuse, bad behaviour or delay in bowling. It's clear use of external factor to change the outcome of game.
He should face ban.
— Hardik Dhawan (@hardikdhawan9) June 18, 2023