Hazlewood, Smith in umpiring controversy shoulld be banned a match

Australia's appeals throughout this Test have been long, loud and boisterous. Some will call it enthusiastic others intimidation.

Both Hazlewood and Smith are deserving of a fine. You can't cuss and intimidate an umpire like that. Smith, as captain, should know better. His questioning the decision so demonstrably opened the door for the rest of his team to follow suit. I did get a laugh at Smith absolving himself of any blame and chastising Hazelwood, telling reporters that it was disappointing that he (Hazlewood) "has done it a few times and I’m going to have a word to him.” Yeah, sure you are.

Hazlewood has plead guilty to dissent. Punishment from the ICC will be forthcoming, but as this was Hazlewood's first offense, he will almost certainly escape with just a fine. Based on the ICC's code of conduct, he will likely be charged with a Level 1 breach, maybe a Level 2 at worst - which results in a 50-100% match fee fine.

Interestingly, there was no word of any potential punishment for Smith, so I guess his actions were deemed to be acceptable? If so, that is surprising to me.

www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/feb/23/jo...ontation-with-umpire

The entire incident in question:

I didn't watch the match ...... but based on the above clip.....intolerable as per the Comms ... unacceptable !!! :-[

Smith started it .

15% is a petty slap .

imagine if Punters was cappo!  ::LOL:: ::LOL:: ::LOL::

I noticed that no Aussie fans add to the wagons  :

Agreed. Pathetic from the ICC. They are practically admitting that it is acceptable to cuss, question and intimidate an umpire. A 15% fine offers no detterant. Broad was fined 30% of his match fee for telling Aleem Dar to "just get on with the no game". How does that deserve a greater fine than Hazlewood's actions?

It has now been confirmed that Smith has also been charged with dissent for his role in the incident. No penalty has yet to be determined but a 15% fine similar to Hazlewood seems to be the most obvious resolution. Personally, I think the only fair punishment is for Australia to be docked of all their current ICC ranking points (4376) and have to start again from 0. I kid, I kid. 

In all seriousness, I am still amazed that Hazlewood got off so lightly. But it is the ICC, so I guess I shouldn't be.

Smith has also apologized .... which is fair and good on him as a new Cappo .... but I agree with what you've said............