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Australian pace bowler Mitchell Johnson has been fined 60% of
his match fee after his clash with New Zealand's Scott Styris was
deemed "inappropriate physical contact with his opponent".
Johnson, who appeared to head-butt the Kiwi batsman's helmet during
Australia's two-wicket loss to the Black Caps at Napier's McLean
Park on Wednesday night, pleaded guilty to the level-two breach of
the ICC's Code of Conduct, which meant a full hearing wasn't
required with Sri Lankan match referee Ranjan Madugalle.
Styris was fined 15 per cent of his match fee for his role in the
verbal battle in the 46th over of the New Zealand's innings. At the
end of the over, Johnson charged into the path of Styris and they
appeared to clash heads.
It's a relief for Australia to have their star paceman available
for Saturday's game two of the five-match Chappell-Hadlee series in
Auckland.
The ICC said Johnson was charged with a Level 2 offence, contrary
to clause 2.2.4 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players or Team
Officials, which relates to "inappropriate and deliberate physical
contact between players in the course of play".
Umpires Rudi Koertzen of South Africa and Tony Hill of New Zealand
felt Styris contributed to the verbal exchange that preceded the
physical contact and that his actions contravened clause 2.1.8
which covers actions that are contrary to the spirit of cricket or
bring the game into disrepute, the ICC added.
Styris also pleaded guilty at an early stage, which meant a full
hearing wasn't required.
"Sometimes in the heat of competition players cross over the line
of what is acceptable behaviour and that has clearly happened in
this case," Madugalle said.
"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."
Johnson could have faced a suspension of two ODI matches for a
level-two breach.
In all the excitement it was New Zealand who won the match, with
Styris hitting a six from the second ball of the 50th over to
finish unbeaten on 49 from 34 deliveries.
Chasing Australia's 8-275, the Black Caps scored 8-281 off 49.2
overs despite having skipper Daniel Vettori withdraw on the day of
the game with a neck strain.
Man-of-the-match Ross Taylor, who was acting Kiwi captain,
top-scored with a fine 70 while Doug Bollinger took 2-58 for
Australia.
Australia's 8-275 came after the tourists peeled off 82 runs in the
last 10 overs.
Mike Hussey top-scored with a run-a-ball 59, falling in the 48th
over when he was bowled by Kiwi pace spearhead Shane Bond
(2-50).
Asked if he had been head-butted by Johnson, a grinning Styris
said: "He may have done.
"It was just a bit of friendly banter. He was trying to get into my
head to get me out and I was trying to win the battle over him," he
said.
"There wasn't anything untoward I think out there."
