Styris fined 25 per cent of match fee for code of conduct breach, Mills not guilty

New Zealand's Scott Styris has been fined 25 per cent of his match fee for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct during his country's fifth ODI match against South Africa while his compatriot Kyle Mills has been found not guilty.

Styris was found guilty of showing verbal abuse at an umpire's decision during an incident which took place during the seventeenth over of the New Zealand innings. He was consequently found to be in breach of Level 1 Paragraph 3 of the ICC Code which relates to "showing dissent at an umpire's decision by action or verbal abuse".

Mills on the other hand was found not guilty of the same offence during the seventh over of the New Zealand innings.

"On the evidence presented the actions of the player did not breach the ICC Code of Conduct. While the incident did not look good on television I am satisfied with the explanation provided by the player and his manager," said Mr Broad.

All Level 1 breaches carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand and a maximum penalty of 50 per cent of a player's match fee.

Both matters were addressed in hearings conducted by ICC Match Referee Chris Broad after play concluded in Pretoria. The charges were brought by on-field umpires Brian Jerling, Steve Bucknor and TV umpire Karl Hurter.

Mr Broad reached his conclusion after hearings attended by those mentioned above and New Zealand team manager Lindsay Crocker. For Level 1 breaches of the ICC Code of Conduct the ICC Match Referee's decision is final and binding.