Wolvaardt was adjudged LBW off the bowling of English spinner Sophie Ecclestone for a well-played 65 runs on Monday. 

However, with the DRS system not in use during the Test, Wolvaardt had no option to review the decision. Replays later confirmed that she had edged the ball before it hit her pads, making the umpire’s decision to dismiss her incorrect.

This controversial decision marked the second contentious moment in the Test. Earlier, England’s Tammy Beaumont survived a clear LBW shout on the second ball of the match off the bowling of Marizanne Kapp.

The ball that dismissed Laura Wolvaardt. Photo: Cricinfo

Wolvaardt was subsequently found guilty of breaching Article 2.8 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which pertains to “showing dissent at an umpire’s decision during an international match.”

As a result, one demerit point was added to Wolvaardt’s disciplinary record, and this was her first offence in a 24-month period.

The incident occurred during the 45th over of South Africa’s first innings when Wolvaardt displayed visible frustration at being given out.

Wolvaardt admitted to the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by Shandré Fritz of the ICC International Panel of Match Referees, eliminating the need for a formal hearing.

The charge was laid by on-field umpires Lauren Agenbag and Kerrin Klaaste, third umpire Bongani Jele, and fourth umpire Siphelele Gasa.

Level 1 breaches carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand, a maximum penalty of 50% of a player’s match fee, and one or two demerit points.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek mvh