News

Oram charged with dissent

Jacob Oram, the New Zealand allrounder, has been fined 20% of his match fee after being found guilty of dissent during the second Test against England in Wellington

Cricinfo staff
15-Mar-2008

Jacob Oram has enjoyed the Wellington Test with the ball but not, so far, the bat © Getty Images
 
Jacob Oram, the New Zealand allrounder, has been fined 20% of his match fee after being found guilty of dissent during the second Test against England in Wellington.
Oram was hauled up for his reaction to being given out lbw to Ryan Sidebottom on the second day. After umpire Steve Davis raised the finger, Oram looked at his bat first and then followed up by punching it as he left the field.
At the hearing, held after the third day's play, Oram pleaded guilty to the charge and also apologised for any offence he may have caused the umpires. In reaching a decision Javagal Srinath, the match referee, took into account not only the apology but also the fact that it was Oram's first appearance at a Code of Conduct hearing in seven years at international level.
He was originally charged under clause 2.1 which refers to "showing serious dissent at an umpire's decision" but Srinath reduced this to a level 1.3 offence - "showing dissent at an umpire's decision" - following the hearing.
"I took into account several factors in downgrading the charge," said Srinath, "including the player's previously excellent conduct, his apology at the hearing, the fact it was a spontaneous act out of character with his normal behaviour and that he did not appear to use foul or offensive language."
"However, the fact remains that when the umpire raises his finger a player must leave the crease immediately and without question no matter what he may think of the decision."
For a level one breach the player has no right of appeal.