Goodwin pleads guilty

Cricket Australia Code of Behaviour Commissioner Mr Alan Sullivan QC today reprimanded West Australian batsman Murray Goodwin for breaching Cricket Australia's Code of Behaviour.

Goodwin was charged by the Western Australian Cricket Association under Rule 9 of Section 1 of the Code for making detrimental public comment regarding the selection of the Zimbabwe Test team.

The case against Goodwin, due to be held before a full hearing in Sydney tomorrow (Saturday 1 November) was brought forward after Goodwin advised of his intention to plead guilty.

Mr Sullivan was asked to determine the question of penalty, if regarded as appropriate.

Mr Sullivan found Goodwin's comments were inappropriately timed and were potentially harmful to the interests of cricket.

In handing down the verdict Mr Sullivan took into account Goodwin's prior record and his genuine regret in making the comments.

He considered that Goodwin intended no malice in the comments he made.

WACA CEO Mrs Kath White, who brought the charge against Goodwin, said it was now time to move forward.

"It is regretful that this had to happen," Mrs White said.

"In my view Murray's comments, inadvertent though they may have been, called other players' abilities into question.

"We look forward to moving on and putting this matter behind us. I hope Murray can have a successful season for the Retravision Warriors."

The reprimand means Goodwin is available to represent the Warriors in Sunday's ING Cup clash against New South Wales at North Sydney Oval and the corresponding Pura Cup fixture beginning at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Tuesday 4 November.