England vs Sri Lanka: James Anderson on cusp of one-Test ban after latest breach of conduct

The England seamer received an official reprimand and one demerit point for showing dissent in the first Test

James Anderson is just one more serious breach away from suspension (Getty)

James Anderson has been reprimanded by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for breaching the code of conduct in the first Test against Sri Lanka at Galle.

The England seamer received an official reprimand and one demerit point after the incident was referred to match referee Andy Pycroft.

During the 39th over of the Sri Lanka innings, Anderson showed dissent when the umpire warned him for running on the wicket and then threw the ball to the ground.

That behaviour, according to the ICC, amounted to a violation of Article 2.8 of the Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel.

“After the match, Anderson admitted the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by match referee Andy Pycroft,” a spokesman added after handing Anderson his second demerit point of 2018.

Anderson had also been punished for dissent during the fifth Test against India in September.

Four demerit points within a two-year period would incur a one-Test ban, meaning that Anderson is just one more serious breach away from suspension.