England cricket star Tom Curran slapped with hefty ban for little-known rule breach

ENGLAND star Tom Curran has been banned for four matches in the Big Bash for threatening to run into an umpire.

The bizarre incident happened when Curran was attempting to practise his run-up on the pitch before a game – which is not allowed.

Tom Curran has been banned for threatening to run into an umpire

England ace Curran was reported after playing in Australia’s domestic Twenty20 competition for Sydney Sixers against Hobart Hurricanes in Launceston on December 11, when he took 3-19 and Sixers won by six wickets.

Match referee Bob Parry cited Curran under the Code of Conduct for “intimidation or attempted intimidation of an umpire, match referee or medical personnel whether by language or conduct (including gestures) during a match.”

Curran, 28, was found guilty of a Level 3 offence. Sixers say they will appeal.

While Curran was attempting a practice run-up on the pitch during warm-ups, the fourth umpire tried to stop him.

One of the fourth umpire’s roles is to supervise the pitch before the game and during breaks in play such as drinks intervals.

Under Big Bash playing conditions, only the captain and team coach are permitted to walk on the pitch to assess its condition before the start of play. And they are not allowed to wear spiked footwear.

Cricket Australia claimed that, after being told not to run on the pitch, Curran then went to the other end and attempted another practice run-up.

A CA statement said: “The umpire took position next to the stumps, blocking Curran from approaching the pitch, and gestured to Curran to move away from the pitch.

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“Curran was seen in the footage gesturing to the umpire to move away from the pitch.

“Curran then attempted to perform a practice run-up and run at pace straight towards the umpire who stood in the bowling crease facing Curran. The umpire stepped to his right to avoid the risk of collision.”

Curran contested the charge but was found guilty and received four suspension points, which equates to four BBL matches.

The ban means Curran will miss the Sixers’ clash with Adelaide Strikers in Sydney on Friday as well as matches against the Melbourne Stars, Sydney Thunder and Brisbane Heat.

The incident was shown on Channel 7 in Australia on Thursday and commentator Jason Richardson declared: “That’s totally and utterly ridiculous.

“This is coming from an experienced international cricketer who’s clearly had a brain fade. You can’t intimidate an umpire like that.”

The umpire, standing next to the stumps, can clearly be heard in the footage pointing wide of the pitch and telling Curran: “You can run here, not here.”

Curran is the older brother of all-rounder Sam Curran and has played two Tests, 28 one-dayers and 30 T20 internationals for England.

This week, he was bought by Royal Challengers Bangalore for £140,000 in the India Premier League auction.

Sixers boss Rachael Haynes said the club would “vigorously appeal” the four-match ban.

Haynes declared: “Tom and the club maintain that Tom did not knowingly or intentionally intimidate a match official and, on legal advice, we will exercise our right to appeal the decision.

“We will support Tom during this period and look forward to him returning to the field.”