PALLEKELE: Joe Root has received an official reprimand and one demerit point, after breaching the ICC Code of Conduct during the second day’s play of the second Test against Sri Lanka at Pallekele. The incident occurred in the 76th over of Sri Lanka’s innings, when Root was deemed to have shown dissent at umpire Marais Erasmus’ decision by shaking his head and then kicking the turf after Dilruwan Perera had been given not out off Moeen Ali. Root pleaded not guilty to the charge and, as such, a hearing took place at the close of the second day. The match referee, Andy Pycroft, duly found the England captain guilty of violating Article 2.8 of the ICC Code of Conduct which relates to “showing dissent at an umpire’s decision during an international match”. The charge was levelled by on-field umpires Erasmus and S. Ravi, third umpire Chris Gaffaney and fourth umpire Ranmore Martinesz. Level 1 breaches carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand, a maximum penalty of 50 per cent of a player’s match fee, and one or two demerit points. This was the first demerit point of Root’s career. When a player reaches four or more demerit points within a 24-month period, they are converted into suspension points, after which a player is banned. Two suspension points equate to a ban from one Test or two ODIs or two T20Is, whichever comes first for the player. Published in Daily Times, November 16th 2018.