Vermeulen gets time off for bad behaviour

Mark Vermeulen's ban for throwing a ball at spectators has been reduced. The former Zimbabwe batsman, 27, was originally banned for ten years from playing in England and Wales but the decision was overturned by the Lancashire Cricket Board.

Vermeulen was instead given a three-year ban, part suspended for two years, in a disciplinary hearing at Old Trafford. The board's director, Andrew Hayhurst, said: "Mr Vermeulen accepted that his behaviour was wholly in violation of the ECB Code of Conduct and spirit of cricket.

"In arriving at a decision, the panel recognised the wider circumstances of the case involving Mr Vermeulen. However, the panel cannot ignore the seriousness of Mr Vermeulen's actions on that occasion and have imposed a three-year suspension from all cricket under the jurisdiction of the ECB."

Vermeulen was playing in a league match in Ashton-under-Lyne, Greater Manchester, when he became involved in an angry confrontation with fans. The overseas professional with Werneth Cricket Club in Oldham lost his temper when bowling after he was hit for a four and then a six.

He hurled the ball at the pavilion and it hit the railings and ricocheted to safety. Vermeulen, who has played eight Tests and 32 one-day internationals for Zimbabwe, then pulled up a boundary marker from the ground and brandished it at spectators.

The Central Lancashire League banned Vermeulen for 10 years for "violent and dangerous actions on the field of play" before the Lancashire Cricket Board reduced the punishment. Vermeulen, who was legally represented at the hearing, is effectively banned for one year as two of the years were suspended on condition that he does not commit a further breach of conduct.The ban takes effect from April 1 next year.