Lehmann reprimanded for behaviour breach

Darren Lehmann, the Brisbane Heat coach, has been reprimanded and fined US$3,000 suspended for two years after being found guilty of breaching Cricket Australia's Code of Behaviour. Lehmann had questioned the legitimacy of Marlon Samuels' bowling action after his team's loss against Melbourne Renegades on Saturday.

The decision was announced following a hearing on Thursday, where Commissioner John Price found Lehmann guilty of breaching Rule 9 (Detrimental Public Comment).

Samuels delivered four overs for just 18 runs in the Renegades win. "I've spoken to the umpires about it," Lehmann had said after the game. "I just want something done. He couldn't bowl in the IPL (Indian Premier League) last year, yet he can bowl in the BBL.

"We've got to seriously look at what we're doing. Are we here to play cricket properly or what? If he's deemed legal, I'm totally understanding of that. But from my point of view from 20 years' of cricket, I've got a problem with 120km/h off no steps."

It is not the first time Lehmann has found himself in trouble with cricket authorities. While playing for Australia in January 2003 he was suspended for five ODIs for breaching the ICC's racial vilification code.