Abu Dhabi, December 20: Australia all-rounder Shane Watson was fined 15-per-cent of his match fee for screaming at West Indies captain Chris Gayle after dismissing him on the fourth day of the third Test in Perth.
Watson was charged under Article 2.1.8 which states that players shall at all times conduct play within the spirit of the game.
Watson had pleaded guilty at an early stage and, under the provisions of the new code, the matter was determined by match referee Chris Broad without the need for a full hearing, an ICC statement said.
The incident that led to the charge being laid took place in the 15th over of the West Indies’ second innings when the 28-year-old Queenslander, after dismissing Chris Gayle, ran down the wicket screaming at him.
Commenting on his decision, Broad said, “Shane is a very energetic and enthusiastic bowler but on this occasion he has gone too far by running down the wicket screaming, thereby not showing due respect for the opponent. While handing down the punishment, I took into account that Shane admitted his mistake by pleading guilty.”
——Agencies