NEW DELHI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Sunday reprimanded England's Moeen Ali and fined the spinner 25% of his match fee for breaching the code of conduct during the first Test of the Ashes series against Australia.
Moeen was seen applying drying spray to his finger without seeking permission from the on-field umpires on Saturday, the second day of the opening match.
"Moeen 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," ICC said in a statement.
"In reaching his decision to sanction the player along with the Level 1 sanction he imposed, the Match Referee was satisfied that the cream was applied to the finger only to dry his hands. The cream was not applied as an artificial substance to the ball and consequently, it did not change the condition of the ball," the ICC added.
The incident took place during the 89th over of Australia's first innings at Edgbaston when Moeen was seen applying a drying agent to his bowling hand at the boundary line while fielding.
"One demerit point has been added to Moeen's disciplinary record for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct. This was the England all-rounder's first offence in the past 24 months," the ICC further added.