Ashes 2023: Moeen Ali fined 25 percent of match fees for spraying drying agent on bowling hand

England all-rounder, Moeen Ali has been fined 25 per cent of his match fees for "spaying a drying agent" on his bowling hand on day two of the first test of the Ashes 2023. In addition to this, one demerit point has been added to Ali's disciplinary record. It was the first offence in a 24-month period. The incident occurred in the 89th over of Australia's innings. Ali sprayed a drying agent on his bowling hand at the boundary line before coming on to bowl the next over.

Read Also: BCCI Domestic Cricket Schedule 2023-24 details

Ashes 2023 First Test: Moeen Ali sprayed a drying agent on his bowling hand

"Ali was found to have breached Article 2.20 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to displaying conduct that is contrary to the spirit of the game," said the ICC in a statement.

Ali admitted the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by Andy Pycroft of the ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees. So, there was no need for a formal hearing. During his decision to sanction the player, he confirmed that Ali used the spray only to dry his hands.

"The spray was not used as an artificial substance on the ball. Consequently, it had not changed the condition of the ball, which would have been in breach of clause 41.3 of the ICC playing conditions. Unfair Play – The Match Ball – Changing its Condition," the statement added.

On-field umpires Ahsan Raza and Marais Erasmus, third umpire Chris Gaffaney and fourth umpire Mike Burns levelled the charge. Level 1 breaches carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand. It also includes a maximum penalty of 50 per cent of the match fee and one or two demerit points.