Steven Smith fined 30 percent for breaching ICC Code of Conduct in New Zealand vs Australia, 2nd Test

Josh Hazlewood too was fined 15 percent for a similar offence.

Australia skipper Steven Smith who pleaded guilty for showing dissent dissent has been slapped with a 30 percent for breaching ICC Code of Conduct during second Test between New Zealand and Australia at Christchurch. Australia wo the match easily by seven wickets, but Smith altercation with the umpires on the fourth day of the Test remained the talking point. This was Brendon McCullum’s final international game, in which he scored the fastest Test century, which came off just 54 deliveries. Fast bowler Josh Hazlewood, who unleashed a profanity-laden barrage at the umpires after an lbw appeal was turned down, pleaded guilty to a similar charge Tuesday and was fined 15 percent of his match fee.  FULL CRICKET SCORECARD: New Zealand vs Australia, 2nd Test at Christchurch

According to an ICC media release, “The player was found to have breached Article 2.1.5 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to “showing dissent at an umpire’s decision during an international match”.

On Tuesday, after TV umpire Richard Illingworth had turned down a referral against Kane Williamson, Smith had shown his obvious disappointment at the outcome by questioning on-field umpire Martinez about his decision and that of the TV umpire. READ: Steven Smith labels Australian team as ‘nice guys’ despite being slapped with dissent charge

Following the conclusion of the match on Wednesday, Smith admitted the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by Chris Broad of the Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees. As such, there was no need for a formal hearing. The charge was levelled by on-field umpires Richard Kettleborough and Ranmore Martinesz, third umpire Richard Illingworth and fourth official Derek Walker.

For all first offences, Level 1 breaches carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand and a maximum penalty of 50 per cent of a player’s match fee.

(With inputs from AFP)