BBL 2019-20: David Hussey fined $2000 for comments against the spirit of cricket

David Hussey, the former Australian cricketer, has been slapped with a fine of $2000 by Cricket Australia on Friday, January 24. The veteran, who’s the coach of the Melbourne Stars in the BBL, sparked controversy, making some remarks, contrary to the spirit of cricket. The incident occurred during Stars’ away match on Wednesday against the Adelaide Strikers.

In the ninth over of the match, Hussey joked that he had worn spiked footwear on the pitch before the game. As per the rules, only the captain and coach are allowed to walk on the pitch to assess its conditions. But while inspection, spiked footwear isn’t allowed.

Though Hussey didn’t wear spiked shoes, his comments had not been in the spirit of the game. Adrian Anderson, the independent code-of-conduct commissioner, put forth developments surrounding the issue at the Adelaide Oval.

Hussey makes an apology

The law which fell under article 2.23 states, “… conduct that either: (a) is contrary to the spirit of cricket; (b) is unbecoming of a representative or official; (c) is or could be harmful to the interests of cricket; or (d) does or could bring the game of cricket into disrepute”.

Hussey has now apologised for the mishap and said that his comments came in some light-hearted interaction with the commentators.

“I would like to apologise for my comments made at our match against the Strikers on Wednesday. These comments were made in jest and in a light-hearted moment with the commentators,” Hussey was quoted as saying in The Age.

“I never intended to suggest that I had in any way broken the rules of the game. I realise that my comments, broadcast to our fans and supporters, may have undermined the spirit of cricket and for this I apologise,” he added.

The Stars are next scheduled to lock horns with the Brisbane Heat on Saturday, January 25 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The Stars have lost their last two matches against the Strikers and the Sydney Sixers.

But despite the losses, Glenn Maxwell and Co are sitting pretty on top of the points table courtesy their eight-match winning streak. The game against the Heat is also their last in the round-robin stage of the league.