The International Cricket Council (ICC) has fined West Indies head coach Daren Sammy for publicly attacking third umpire Adrian Holdstock following disputed decisions in the first Test against Australia at Kensington Oval in Barbados. The match, which Australia won by 159 runs, included a number of controversial calls that elicited diverse emotions from the home team.

On the second day of the first Test, two judgements went against the West Indies. Holdstock adjudged Roston Chase LBW despite apparent hints of an inside edge, and Shai Hope was caught behind off a delivery that appeared to touch the ground before being caught by wicketkeeper Alex Carey.

These verdicts occurred one day after Holdstock determined that Hope’s low grab off Travis Head was not carried. During the post-day press conference, Sammy expressed his frustration as a result of a succession of these events.

“You don’t want to find yourself in a situation where you’re questioning particular umpires. Is there anything against this team? But when you see decision after decision, it begs the question,” he explained.

Daren Sammy was found guilty.

However, the ICC found Sammy guilty of violating Article 2.7 of its Code of Conduct, which governs public criticism of match officials. As a result, the former Windies skipper was fined 15% of his match fee and given one demerit point, his first in 24 months. The charge was levelled by on-field umpires Richard Kettleborough and Nitin Menon, third umpire Holdstock, and fourth umpire Gregory Brathwaite.

Sammy agreed to the sanction imposed by match referee Javagal Srinath, avoiding a formal hearing. According to ICC rules, Level 1 violations result in a minimum punishment of an official reprimand and a maximum fine of 50% of the match cost, as well as one or two demerit points.

Meanwhile, Captain Roston Chase shared his thoughts following the match, stating that, unlike players, umpires suffer no consequences for their mistakes, but no discipline has yet been declared against him.

The decisions have a huge impact on the gameplay. Hope and Chase’s dismissals at 48 and 44, respectively, shattered the hosts’ momentum, ultimately contributing to their defeat on Day 3 following Josh Hazlewood’s five-wicket haul.