News

Lara and Jones fined

Brian Lara and Simon Jones have both been found guilty of breaching Level One of the ICC's Code of Conduct, and have been fined half their match fees

Wisden Cricinfo staff
23-Mar-2004


A costly chat: Simon Jones bellows at Ramnaresh Sarwan after dismissing him yesterday © Getty Images
Brian Lara and Simon Jones have both been found guilty of breaching Level One of the ICC's Code of Conduct, and have been fined half their match fees.
Speaking after the disciplinary hearing, Mike Procter, the match referee, explained that Lara was fined for showing dissent to the umpires on Sunday evening, when the England batsmen were offered the light for the second time, minutes after declining to go off.
"Brian was very genuine at the hearing," said Procter. "He apologised and pleaded not guilty of a level-one [breach of the code], but admitted to having shown dissent."
Jones, on the other hand, pleaded guilty and was punished for bringing the game into disrepute after his spat with Ramnaresh Sarwan. "I listened to both sides of the story, and what came out loud and clear was that Jones was very apologetic," said Procter. "The umpires were very complimentary about his behaviour - Jones apologised to them straight away, and at the end of play."
Procter concluded, "I originally thought it was a more serious charge than level one, but in the end I decided to fine him %50 of his match fee."