Josh Hazelwood fined for breach of ICC Code of Conduct

Australian pacer Josh Hazelwood has been fined 15 percent of his match fee after he was found guilty of breaching the ICC code of conduct. It was reported later that Hazelwood pleaded guilty after being accused of breaching the Level 1 code on Day 4 of the Test match between New Zealand and Australia. Level 1 of the ICC Code of conduct reads, “Showing dissent at an umpire’s decision during an international match”.

The incident occurred during the New Zealand innings when Kiwi vice-captain Kane Williamson was facing Hazelwood. The latter was convinced that Williamson had been trapped leg before. However, on-field umpire Ranmore Martinesz adjudged the player not out following which a referral was made to the 3^rd umpire Richard Illingworth.

Unable to find suitable evidence using hotspot, Illingworth adjudged Williamson not out. Shell-shocked, Hazelwood and Steve Smith approached the Martinesz with angst. The stump microphone picked up Hazelwood’s remarks following the decision which was believed to be,” Who the f**k is the third umpire?”

The use of obscene language was not only picked up by the stump microphone but also the live broadcast. Following the end of the day’s play, Hazelwood admitted to the offense and accepted the fine imposed on him by match referee Chris Broad. There was however, no formal hearing.

The charge was eventually leveled by match officials Richard Kettleborough, Ranmore Martinez, Richard Illingworth, Chris Broad and fourth official Derek Walter.

For all Level 1 offenses, the penalty includes an official reprimand while the player can be fined up to 50 percent of his match fees.

Video of the incident – Hazlewood get involved in an ugly confrontation with the umpire