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Australian fast bowler Mitchell Johnson and BLACKCAPS all-rounder Scott Styris had to face Match Referee Ranjan Madugalle after an incident in the highly charged One-Day International in Napier last night with both receiving fines.
The guilty charge came about after a heated exchange between the players at the end of the 46th over of the BLACKCAPS innings. It started out as a verbal exchange that escalated to a point where Johnson confronted Styris and made contact with the New Zealand batsman with the umpired deeming it “inappropriate physical contact with his opponent”.
An early guilty plea from Johnson enabled the Match Referee to determine the appropriate punishment without the need for a full hearing. Madugalle slammed Johnson with a level two fine that was equivalent to 60% of his match fee and reminded both players of their responsibilities.
“Sometimes in the heat of competition players cross over the line of what is acceptable behaviour and that has clearly happened in this case,” said Mr Madugalle.
“I made it clear to them that as role models it’s important that they conduct themselves not only within the laws of cricket but also in keeping with the spirit of the game,” he said.
Styris was charged with a lesser level one offence, incurring 15% fine as his part in the altercation was only verbal.
The BLACKCAPS batting hero was quick to play down the incident saying, “the Australians play good competitive cricket and I’d like to think we will match them in that competitiveness.
“There wasn’t anything untoward I didn’t think out there. They were trying to win and they were trying to win and it’s as simple as that.
“There was a bit of friendly banter out there. He (Johnson) was trying to get into my head to get me out and I was trying to win the battle over him. There was nothing you don’t see in most other international games. I’m sure he will be out in the next game trying to do the same sorts of things and we will be to,” he added.
