Smith fined 30 percent for breaching ICC Code of Conduct while Hazlewood fined 15 percent for using obscene language

Steve Smith Australian CricketerAustralia captain Steve Smith has been fined 30 per cent of his match fee for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct during the second Test against New Zealand in Christchurch on Tuesday.

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.

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.

Meanwhile Australia fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has been fined 15 per cent of his match fee for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct during the same day.

The incident happened during the last over before lunch when Hazlewood, after his review was turned down by the TV umpire, used obscene language that was picked up by the stump microphone and subsequently by the broadcast.

Following the day’s play, Hazlewood 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.

Both the players were 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”.

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.

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