By IANS
Melbourne : India’s middle-order batsman Yuvraj Singh has been found not guilty of breaching the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Code of Conduct during the second day of India’s first Test against Australia in Melbourne.
The left-handed batsman player was charged with breaching Level 1.3 of the code, which relates to showing dissent at an umpire’s decision by action or verbal abuse.
The charge, laid by the four umpires on duty in the match – on-field officials Billy Bowden and Mark Benson, third umpire Steve Davis and fourth umpire John Ward – related to an incident on the second day of the Test, Thursday, when Yuvraj stood his ground after he was given out caught behind off Stuart Clark.
The hearing took place after the third day’s play Friday as, by the time the umpires had the chance to view the footage Thursday evening and had decided to charge the player, the India team had already left the ground.
After considering the evidence, Match Referee Mike Procter decided Yuvraj had not stood his ground in protest.
“It was evident that Yuvraj took more time than normal to leave the crease but it was due to the fact that he was shocked at the decision. At no stage he showed displeasure or dissent at the umpire’s decision,” said Proctor.
The four umpires, India manager Chetan Chauhan, captain Anil Kumble and Yuvraj Singh, attended the hearing. If found guilty, the penalties for a Level 1 offence range from an official reprimand to a maximum penalty of a 50% fine on match-fee.