Dubai , 15 March 2008New Zealand left-hander found guilty of dissent, fined 20 per cent of match fee following dismissal on second day of Wellington Test
New Zealand ’s Jacob Oram has been fined 20 per cent of his match fee after being found guilty of breaching the ICC’s Code of Conduct during the second Test against England in Wellington .
The punishment was handed down by ICC match referee Javagal Srinath of the Emirates Elite Panel following a hearing following the third day’s play on Saturday.
The player was charged under clause 2.1 of the ICC Code of Conduct which refers to “showing serious dissent at an umpire’s decision”.
The charge was laid by on-field umpires Rudi Koertzen of the Emirates Elite Panel and Steve Davis, as well as third umpire Evan Watkin. The latter two officials are both members of the Emirates International Panel.
It related to the aftermath of Oram’s dismissal, out lbw off England fast bowler Ryan Sidebottom. After umpire Davis raised the finger, the player openly showed dissent at the decision by looking at the bat first and then followed it up by a punch on the bat.
At the hearing Oram pleaded guilty to the charge and also apologised for any offence he may have caused the umpires and, in reaching his decision, Mr Srinath took into account not only that apology but also the fact that it was the player’s first appearance at a Code of Conduct hearing in seven years at international level.
On that basis he downgraded the charge to Level 1.3, “showing dissent at an umpire’s decision”, something he is entitled to do under the terms of the Code of Conduct.
Explaining his decision after the hearing, Mr Srinath said: “I took into account several factors in downgrading the charge, including the player’s previously excellent conduct, his apology at the hearing, the fact it was a spontaneous act out of character with his normal behaviour and that he did not appear to use foul or offensive language.
“However, the fact remains that when the umpire raises his finger a player must leave the crease immediately and without question no matter what he may think of the decision.”
Apart from the match referee, the hearing was attended by the three umpires named above, the player concerned and New Zealand team manager Lindsay Crocker.
A Level 1 breach of the ICC Code of Conduct carries a minimum penalty of an official reprimand and/or a fine of up to the equivalent of 50 per cent of a player’s match fee.
In the case of Level 1 breaches of the Code the match referee’s decision is final and there is no right of appeal.
ICC MEDIA RELEASE