Goodwin hit with one-match ban

Sussex batsman Murray Goodwin has been handed a one-match ban by an England and Wales Cricket Board disciplinary hearing despite already being reprimanded through his county's internal disciplinary process. Goodwin's charge was in relation to his conduct in three matches between April and July, where he was alleged to have shown dissent at umpiring decisions.

Goodwin, 38, pleaded guilty to a breach of the ECB's codes on conduct and behaviour and will now miss Sussex's Friends Life t20 clash against Kent at Canterbury. In addition, he was ordered to pay £500 towards the costs of the hearing.

He had initially been warned for his behaviour during the game against Essex at Hove last month and then reprimanded for hitting the ball to the boundary in frustration after being given out lbw in the Championship clash with Warwickshire at Arundel last week. Sussex warned Goodwin about his future conduct and also issued a fine, although this was suspended for two years as recognition of his service to the county and, until this season, his unblemished personal record.

"I regret my actions on both occasions and accept that there can be no circumstances where such a reaction is acceptable," Goodwin said, after being reproached by his club. "I have apologised to the umpires concerned, and the club, and accept the ruling handed down by the club. As players, we recognise our responsibility as role models for players at all levels and of all ages."

The matter was subsequently taken up by an ECB Cricket Discipline Commission Panel comprising Mike Smith, David Smith and Alan Moss, resulting in Goodwin's ban. Sussex have made clear their unhappiness with this development, but admitted that it sent a strong message about the need to take on-field behaviour seriously.

"As a club, we are disappointed by the outcome as we felt - in our own internal disciplinary process - that Murray's previously good personal record, his apology to all umpires concerned, and his clear feeling of contrition merited a measure of leniency," Sussex chief executive Dave Brooks said.

"However, this ruling sends out a clear message to all the Counties and professional cricketers that such behaviour will be dealt with severely, and in a manner over and above the fixed penalty system. The consistent implementation of this policy should have the desired effect of arresting a slide in on field discipline, which Sussex CCC supports."

Sussex are still in the running for a place in the quarter-finals of the Friends Life t20 competition, and Goodwin's enforced absence comes at a time when Rana Naved, Luke Wright, Wayne Parnell, Luke Wells and Kirk Wernars are also missing through injury.