South Africa report Benn to ICC

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC):

South Africa have reported combative West Indies left-arm spinner Sulieman Benn to the International Cricket Council (ICC).

Proteas team manager Mohammed Moosajee confirmed they had lodged a complaint with cricket's world governing body over an incident between Benn and fast bowler Dale Steyn, which occurred during the ill-tempered third Test at Kensington Oval last week.

Steyn was fined his entire match fee for spitting in the direction of Benn, after he was bowled by pacer Kemar Roach in South Africa's first innings, just before lunch on the third day.

"Dale Steyn's action was regrettable and he has apologised for it," Moosajee told reporters on his return to Johannesburg.

"But it came after lots of provocation and there was also retaliation after the incident.

"We have laid a code of conduct charge against Sulieman Benn with the ICC and that must now go through the judicial process."

After the first two Tests were played in relatively good spirits, the Oval contest exploded with the Steyn spitting incident, and Roach clashing with Jacques Kallis in an ugly verbal exchange.

The incident earned Roach a fine of 50 per cent of his match fee, while Kallis went unpunished.

During the third Test at Perth last December, Benn was slapped with a two-match one-day international ban after an on-field altercation with Australian wicketkeeper/batsman Brad Haddin.