England's Stokes feels wrath of ICC

England's Ben Stokes has received a reprimand from the ICC following an "inappropriate comment" that was picked up on the stump microphone and by on-field officials during day two of the second Test against West Indies in Leeds.

Stokes was docked one demerit point for a breach of the ICC’s Code of Conduct, which relates to "using language or a gesture that is obscene".

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The incident occurred during the penultimate over of the day at Headingley, when Windies centurion Shai Hope edged a Stokes delivery for four. 

The Englishman admitted the offence after play, bringing his total demerit points tally to three. 

Another point will result in a suspension for Stokes, the man considered by many to be England's key player ahead of the Ashes in Australia this summer. 

The allrounder, who made a century on day one of the ongoing second Test, has been somewhat of a lightning rod for drama during his four years on the international scene, regularly courting controversy with Caribbean rival Marlon Samuels, and also earning the ire of Bangladesh – in particular opener Tamim Iqbal – during a tempestuous ODI series on the subcontinent last October. 

Stokes landed in hot water again in India last December when he found himself duelling with another fellow firebrand, this time Virat Kohli. Goaded by the India captain in Mohali after being stumped in the third Test, Stokes was sanctioned by the ICC for his "offensive" response, before covering his mouth when he dismissed Kohli the following day.

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And against South Africa this northern summer, the volatile Stokes was on the end of a fiery send-off from paceman Kagiso Rabada. 

Prior to his national debut, he and teammate Matt Coles were sent home from an England Lions tour in February 2013 for regularly flouting team drinking rules. 

Stokes will have to avoid further trouble in the final Test against West Indies at Lord's, if he plans on taking part in the Ashes opener at the Gabba from November 23.

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