Alzarri Joseph fined for using abusive language during exchange with fourth umpire ahead of 1st ODI against Bangladesh

West Indies paceman Alzarri Joseph has copped a punishment for using abusive language in a verbal exchange with the fourth umpire during the first ODI against the West Indies in St. Kitts and Nevis. The Antiguan received a demerit point and was fined 25% of his match fee by the International Cricket Council (ICC).

The incident occurred before the start of play as Joseph had an exchange with the fourth umpire, using foul and abusive language after being told not to step on the pitch with his spikes on. It also marked the right-arm pacer's second offence in the last 24 months following his outburst against Shai Hope during an ODI against England.

The 28-year-old admitted to the offence and agreed to the punishment, meaning no formal hearing took place. On-field umpires Kumar Dharmasena and Leslie Reifer, third umpire Asif Yaqoob and fourth umpire Gregory Brathwaite leveled the charge. A level one offence usually carries a maximum penalty of 50%.

Alzarri Joseph picked up two wickets to restrict Bangladesh to 294/6 in 50 overs

Alzarri Joseph. (Image Credits: Getty)

As far as on-field performances go, the Antiguan snared figures of 10-0-67-2, dismissing Tanzid Hasan (60) and Soumya Sarkar (19). Romario Shepherd was the pick of their bowlers with figures of 10-1-51-3. Jayden Seales also managed one scalp.

Nevertheless, Sherfane Rutherford starred with 113 off only 80 deliveries, doing the maximum damage to the tourists.

Shai Hope (86) and Justin Greaves (41) also chipped in with crucial contributions as the home side won by five wickets and needed 47.4 overs to achieve the total. The Caribbeans will look to seal the series on Tuesday in the second ODI.

The preceding Test series between the two sides ended in a draw, with West Indies and Bangladesh winning one match each. However, both sides are out of the race for the World Test Championship (WTC) final.