Ben Stokes given warning for 'inappropriate' comments

Ben Stokes has been given a warning for making “inappropriate” comments after being dismissed in the third Test against India in Mohali.

The all-rounder was given an official reprimand for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct during the opening day's play.

The incident happened when the Durham player reacted to India's celebrations following his dismissal for 29 off the bowling of Ravi Jadeja, which was heard by the on-field umpires.

Stokes admitted the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by Ranjan Madugalle of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees.

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He was found to have breached Article 2.1.4 which relates to "using language or a gesture that is obscene, offensive or insulting during an International Match".

Stokes has had one demerit point added to his disciplinary record and if he receives three more in the next 24 months he will be banned.

Sky Sports pundit Sir Ian Botham was less than impressed with the punishment handed out to Stokes last night, saying: "Ben got out and started to walk off disappointed. there was an Indian huddle and I saw Virat Kohli come out of the huddle. He wasn't asking Ben Stokes to pop around for a cup of tea. He said something to him and Stokes has reacted, which is quite normal.

"It's not rocket science to work out that it takes two to tango and there's no reason for Stokes to turn around unless something has been said to him so I think a bit of common sense should have prevailed there and a rap over the knuckles for each would have been quite sufficient."

England ended the day on 268-8 after winning the toss with Adil Rashid and Gareth Batty at the crease. Jonny Bairstow had top-scored with 89, while Jadeja, Umesh Vadav and Jayant Vadav all took two wickets apiece for the hosts.