Nel is currently in his third spell as Essex's overseas player (Getty)

Essex bowler Andre Nel has picked up six penalty points from the England and Wales Cricket Board for breaking their discipline code.

The South African was reported for two separate incidents during their County Championship opener with Northants.

One penalty was for using bad language, the other for throwing the ball in an inappropriate or dangerous manner.

Should Nel receive three more points in the next two years he will face an automatic suspension.