Surrey ban Andre Nel for two matches

Surrey have suspended Andre Nel, the former South Africa fast bowler, for two matches following continued on-pitch controversies. He had already received a two-game ban from the ECB this season but his county have now felt the need to take their own action.

Nel has always been a fiery character on the field and blames it on his alter-ego called 'Gunter'. The latest incidents occurred during this week's Championship victory against Northamptonshire at Wantage Road when he reportedly threw the ball towards Niall O'Brien.

Nel appeared before an internal hearing on Friday where he was found guilty of a level two breach of the ECB code. He has also been fined £5,000 pounds with half of that suspended for the remainder of his Surrey contract.

"The way we conduct ourselves on and off the field is of utmost importance to us and breaches like this can't go unpunished," said Gus Mackay, Surrey's managing director. "We have to be firm and consistent in our stance regarding improper behaviour that can bring the club and game into disrepute."

Nel's ban covers the County Championship matches against Glamorgan and Leicestershire.