Australia's Zampa Reprimanded for Breaching ICC Code in First ODI vs South Africa

Australia's leg-spinner Adam Zampa was reprimanded and given one demerit point for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct during the first ODI against South Africa in Cairns. The breach, classified as a Level 1 offence under Article 2.3, involved the use of an audible obscenity following a misfield and overthrow off his bowling, which was captured by the stump microphone and broadcast. Zampa admitted the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by Andy Pycroft of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees, avoiding a formal hearing. Level 1 breaches carry penalties ranging from an official reprimand to up to 50 percent of a player's match fee, along with one or two demerit points; accumulating four demerit points within 24 months leads to suspension. Despite Zampa's sanction, Australia suffered a heavy 98-run defeat in the match, with South Africa taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series. The teams are scheduled to meet again on August 22 and August 24 at the Great Barrier Reef Arena.