Cape Town Test Row Leads to ICC Reprimands

Two members of the South Africa camp have been reprimanded by the ICC after a Level 1 Code of Conduct violation during the third Test against Australia in Cape Town. Batting coach Ashwell Prince and Kyle Verreynne were found guilty of the same offence, which unfolded on the third day of the match.

The controversy began after opener Marques Ackermann was dismissed in South Africa's second innings. He sought a review of the catch decision, but the umpires said the request had not been made within the 15-second limit, so it could not be accepted.

As Ackermann walked towards the boundary rope, Prince repeatedly insisted to the umpires that there was still time to appeal. Verreynne, who was not part of the playing XI, urged Ackermann to stay within the boundary line, a move that delayed the batter's departure from the ground.

According to the ICC, both individuals breached Article 2.8 of the Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which covers dissent against an umpire's decision in international cricket. The governing body has added one demerit point to the record of each, marking their first offence in a 24-month window.

Prince and Verreynne accepted their breach and the penalty set by match referee Javagal Srinath, an ICC Elite Panel official, so no formal hearing was held. The charges were laid by on-field umpires Richard Illingworth and Richard Kettleborough, third umpire Chris Gaffaney and fourth umpire Lubabalo Gcuma.

A Level 1 offence can attract an official reprimand, a fine of up to 50 per cent of the player's match fee and one or two demerit points.

The disciplinary matter overshadowed a successful week for South Africa, who staged a comeback on the fourth day and then bowled with lethal intent on the final day to take the Cape Town Test and the series 2-1. The triumph also saw them replace Australia at the top of the ICC Men's Test Team Rankings, while Australia slipped to third in the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 standings.