Oram fined 20 per cent of match fee for dissent
Srinath took into account not only the apology but also the fact that it was the player's first appearance at a Code of Conduct hearing in seven years at the international level.
New Zealand all-rounder Jacob Oram was today fined 20 per cent of his match fee for showing dissent at his dismissal during the second cricket Test against England in Wellington.
Match Referee Javagal Srinath found Oram guilty as the tall cricketer looked at his bat first and then punched it as he left the field after Australian umpire Steve Davis adjudged him lbw to Ryan Sidebottom on the second day of the match.
The hearing into the charge was held after play today and Srinath downgraded the charge from Level 2.1 (showing serious dissent at an umpire's decision) to Level 1.3 (showing dissent at an umpire's decision).
At the hearing, Oram pleaded guilty to the charge and also apologised for any offence he may have caused the umpires, an ICC release said.
Srinath took into account not only the apology but also the fact that it was the player's first appearance at a Code of Conduct hearing in seven years at the international level.
"I took into account several factors in downgrading the charge, including the player's previously excellent conduct, his apology at the hearing, the fact it was a spontaneous act out of character with his normal behaviour and that he did not appear to use foul or offensive language," Srinath said.
"However, the fact remains that when the umpire raises his finger a player must leave the crease immediately and without question no matter what he may think of the decision," the former India paceman said.
A Level 1 breach of ICC Code of Conduct carries a minimum penalty of an official reprimand and/or a fine of up to the equivalent of 50 per cent of a player's match fee. There is no right to appeal to the match referee's decision.