Inzamam hit with two-match ban

Pakistan batsman Inzamam-ul-Haq has been handed a two-match ban from One-Day International cricket for showing dissent during Australia's crushing nine-wicket win over his team at Lord's on Saturday.

After umpire Peter Willey had upheld a Shane Warne lbw decision against him, the powerful right hander lingered for a long period at the crease. His obvious displeasure at the decision was then confirmed as he made a slow trudge from the field back to the pavilion.

Match referee Brian Hastings was unimpressed, ordering that the thirty-one year old veteran of 74 Tests and 248 ODIs be fined fifty per cent of his match fee in addition to being hit with the playing ban.

A statement made on Hastings' behalf indicated that similar conduct from Inzamam on at least three previous occasions had weighed heavily on his decision.

"This follows similar incidents involving Inzamam in April 1998 and May 2000. He was also warned about the same offence after the first Test here against England."

Following its loss in the NatWest Series Final, Pakistan is next likely to play ODI cricket in September, when it hosts a visit from New Zealand.