‘New low in cricket’ as English bowler receives four-game ban for ‘intimidating’ umpire

Tom Curran has received a four-game ban for 'intimidating' an umpire in what has been described as a 'new low in cricket'.

Curran, who represents England at international level, has been banned for four games in Australia's Big Bash League after being charged with 'intimidating' an umpire.

The incident took place on December 11 as Curran warmed up ahead of a game against Hobart Hurricanes.

Footage has been released which shows the 28-year-old clashing with a match official.

He was involved in a disagreement with an umpire, who instructed him not to run on the pitch, per the rules.

The umpire stood next to the stumps in an attempt to stop Curran as he practiced his run up.

The clip shows a standoff between Curran and an umpire, with the Sydney Sixers all-rounded inexplicably bounding towards him.

The Sixers plan to appeal against the four-match ban handed down by the Cricket Australia Code of Conduct.

The statement read: “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.”

Cricket fans online slammed Curran's actions as they made their feelings known.

One X user wrote: "Is Tom Curran totally out of his mind? This is a new low in the game of cricket!"

A second tweeted: "What on earth was he doing? We’ve seen some wacky stuff in the Big Bash but this might take the cake. Totally nuts."

A third added: "For an international cricketer to do this is shameful and insane. I wish RCB could cancel Tom Curran's contract. Intimidating the umpire despite two warnings is showing disrespect to the game."

A fourth said: "Tom Curran does this idiocy and gets only 4 match suspension? Got off lightly I think."

Another commented: "Completely uncalled for. Deserves getting the 4-game ban."