Yashasvi Jaiswal and Asitha Fernando Fined After On-Field Confrontation in Colombo Test

India batter Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sri Lanka fast bowler Asitha Fernando have each been fined 25% of their match fees following an on-field confrontation during the opening day of the second Test in Colombo on Sunday.

Both players were also handed one demerit point for what the International Cricket Council (ICC) described as "inappropriate physical contact."

The incident occurred after Fernando dismissed Jaiswal with the final delivery of the 17th over on the first morning. As Jaiswal began walking back towards the dressing room, he turned and moved towards Fernando, apparently reacting to words exchanged during Sri Lanka's celebratory huddle.

According to the ICC, the two players exchanged words before Fernando moved his head towards Jaiswal. Jaiswal then leaned forward, resulting in contact between their heads.

Television footage appeared to indicate that Jaiswal initiated the physical contact, having turned around and walked towards Fernando. The Sri Lankan bowler also took a step towards the dismissed batter but did not move away when Jaiswal leaned his helmeted head towards him.

The ICC determined that both players had breached Article 2.12 of its Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to inappropriate physical contact with another player or match official.

Neither Jaiswal nor Fernando had committed a similar offence resulting in a demerit point during the previous 24 months. As a Level 1 offence, the breach carries a minimum penalty of an official reprimand and a maximum penalty of 50% of the match fee, along with one or two demerit points.

Jaiswal scored 45 off 53 deliveries before Fernando dismissed him with India on 66 for 2 after the visitors had elected to bat first.

Fernando went on to play a key role in Sri Lanka's efforts, also dismissing Shubman Gill and Ravindra Jadeja as India reached 300 for 5 by the close of play.

India lead the two-Test series 1-0 after securing a 165-run victory over Sri Lanka in the opening Test in Galle.