James Sutherland comment on Murray Goodwin hearing

Cricket Australia Chief Executive Officer James Sutherland today supported the decision by Mr Alan Sullivan QC to reprimand West Australian Warriors batsman Murray Goodwin for a breach of Cricket Australia's Code of Behaviour.

Mr Sutherland said the Western Australian Cricket Association (WACA) had acted appropriately throughout its investigatory process and had a duty to report if it was satisfied there was a case to answer.

"Cricket Australia supports the investigatory process undertaken by the WACA prior to charging Mr Goodwin for the breach of Rule 9 of the Code of Behaviour. This rule prohibits public comment detrimental to the interests of the game," he said.

"The future health of Australian cricket is to a large extent contingent on our relationships with ICC member countries.

"Detrimental public comment by contracted players or officials about ICC member countries, their teams and/or their players has the potential to not only impact negatively on our relationship with those countries and the ICC but to harm the game itself.

"Respect is an important part of the spirit of the game, and while we encourage expression of opinion, it's important that players are aware of their obligations under the Code."

Meanwhile, Mr Sutherland strongly criticised a number of media reports, including in some African, Indian and online media, which incorrectly attributed comment allegedly made by Murray Goodwin to Australian Test Captain Steve Waugh.