Former Test batter Murray Goodwin cops Bunbury cricket ban after appearing to strike opponent with his bat

Former international Murray Goodwin has found himself at the centre of a cricket controversy after being banned from a country grand final for appearing to strike another player with his bat. Goodwin, who played 19 Test matches for Zimbabwe and First Class cricket for WA, was suspended from the second day of the Bunbury and Cricket Association’s grand final after jabbing his bat towards opposition wicketkeeper Cam Marra’s head upon being dismissed. It came as Goodwin’s side Colts were beaten by the underdogs in Marist by 22 runs in the two-day game at the Recreation Ground. Goodwin was dismissed caught and bowled by Marist seamer Tyson Italiano for just a lowly two runs, well below his season average of 49.40. As he walked off, vision shows the batter appearing to strike Marra in the head. “The umpires notified both captains — Josh Topliss and Kyle Davis — prior to the start of play,” BDCA umpire coordinator Gary Crombie said on Monday. “As a level four offence, the player (Goodwin) was not allowed on the field of play for the remainder of the match.” Goodwin is set to face the BDCA tribunal in the coming days and could face a lengthy ban over the incident. Colts were set a target of 149 for victory on day two to defend their premiership but were all out for just 137, with Italiano named man of the match following figures of 2-4 and 3-19 across the two innings. Murray’s son Jayden is a West Australian contracted player who has played two First Class games in 2021. The BDCA has been contacted for comment.