PERTH, Australia, CMC – Shane Watson’s screaming celebration of Chris Gayle’s wicket yesterday has earned the all-rounder a fine of 15 per cent of his match fee in the current third Test match between West Indies and Australia.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced the fine – the fourth penalty handed down in this ill-tempered match — for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct during the fourth day’s play of the match at the WACA Ground.
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 Chris Broad of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees without the need for a full hearing,” the ICC stated in a press release.
The incident that led to the charge being laid took place in the 15th over of the West Indies’ second innings when Watson, after dismissing Gayle, ran down the wicket screaming at him.
Commenting on his decision, match referee 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,” Broad added.
Umpires Ian Gould and Billy Bowden charged Watson with bringing the game into disrepute under clause 1.8 of the code, the same infraction brought against West Indian Sulieman Benn and Australians Brad Haddin and Mitchell Johnson for a mid-pitch altercation on Thursday.
