Benn suspended for two ODIs, Haddin, Johnson fined for mid-pitch physical altercation

PERTH - West Indies spinner Sulieman Benn has been suspended for two ODIs for his involvement in a mid-pitch physical altercation with Australian batsmen Brad Haddin and Mitchell Johnson in the first innings of the third Test at WACA Ground in Perth.

Benn received the suspension from International Cricket Council (ICC) match referee Chris Broad, who said the fiery spinner’s on-field conduct on day two in Perth was totally unacceptable, Fox Sports reported.

Broad also fined Haddin 25 per cent of his match fee for bringing the game into disrepute, while Johnson received a 10 per cent fine for the same offence.

Benn was suspended and the Aussies escaped suspension as the former was slapped with a more serious level-two charge.

The mid-pitch physical altercation between the trio on Thursday had turned so bad that umpire Billy Bowden had to literally separate the wrestling cricketers.

The drama began after Benn and Johnson collided as the batsman set off towards the wicketkeeper’s end for a single and the giant spinner tried to field the ball off Haddin.

As Johnson crossed Benn’s path the bowler grabbed his arm and shirt. After completing the single, an angry Haddin thrust his bat towards Benn complaining about the contact.

“Don’t push your f****** bat at me, man,” Benn then yelled at Haddin, who replied: “Get back and bowl.”

Gayle was forced to get involved and calm Benn down as the umpires also intervened.

Two balls later, Haddin straight drove back to Benn who then motioned to throw the ball wildly in the batsman’s direction, resulting in Haddin jumping out of the way.

Benn then charged down the pitch pointing at Haddin and in that motion his elbow hit the side of Johnson’s helmet, resulting in a push and shove between that pair before Bowden stepped in. (ANI)