County reprimanded over chief executive’s remarks

The County’s boss was scathing about the condition of the pitch at Old Trafford for the game against Lancashire in the LV= County Championship.

The match was over inside two days after wickets tumbled on day one.

Smith was not impressed, however, the pitch inspectors found no problem with the wicket and the County have now been warned after the remarks made by their chief.

The ECB statement read: “The Chairman of the ECB Cricket Discipline Commission, Gerard Elias QC, has considered comments made by David Smith regarding the pitch, after a recent LV= County Championship match between Lancashire and Northamptonshire. After discussion with Northamptonshire CCC, Mr Elias has dealt with this matter under the summary procedure under the Cricket Discipline Commission Regulations. Accordingly, as a condition of the summary penalty, Mr Smith has apologised for the comments and Northamptonshire CCC have admitted responsibility for a breach of ECB Directive 4.5 regarding public statements and have been formally reprimanded and reminded of their responsibilities under ECB regulations.”