I guess the usual approach, and perhaps the one foreseen by the people who drafted the Code, is to take the hearings at the end of the match rather than part way through. It would be difficult to ban an offender part way through a match, since that would potentially bring the Laws and the Code into conflict. Would we allow a substitute? Would the substitute be allowed to bat or bowl? If not, is it not a case of collective punishment being levied against the team rather than against the sole offender? And would that be just? And what would happen to an offender's right to appeal against "conviction" (as opposed to sentence)? If he has had to miss even one day of a match prior to being acquitted on appeal, that is surely unfair on all parties?

Initially, Zainub, I was with you on this point - I think I even raised it somewhere on the board. But on reflection I am content with any ban coming into effect during the next match.

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