Dubai, Aug 26 (IBNS): New Zealand batsman Brendon McCullum has received an official reprimand after pleading guilty to a Level 1 breach of the ICC Code of Conduct during the fourth day’s play in the first Test against India in Hyderabad on Sunday, Aug 26.

McCullum was found to have breached Article 2.1.3 of the code of the code which relates to “showing dissent at an umpire’s decision during an international match”.

After India won the Test by an innings and 115 runs, which has given the home side a 1-0 lead in the two-Test series, the opener admitted to the offence and accepted the proposed sanction offered to him by Chris Broad of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees. As such, there was no need for a formal hearing.

Explaining his decision, Broad said: “I understand New Zealand had an uphill task and Brendon was leading his side’s fight back. But his actions, after he was given out, were unacceptable as the ICC code clearly states that whatever may be the situation, you have to always respect and accept an umpire’s decision.

“Brendon is one of the senior most professionals on the circuit and as such, there is a greater degree of responsibility on his shoulders. Unfortunately, his actions today went beyond what would be deemed acceptable.”

The charge had been laid by the on-field umpires Ian Gould and Steve Davis, both from the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Umpires, third umpire Vineet Kulkarni and fourth umpire Chettithody Shamsuddin.

The charge related to an incident in the 46th over of New Zealand’s second innings when McCullum stood for an extended period of time, showed his bat to umpire Steve Davis after he had been given out LBW off Umesh Yadav, before leaving the field while shaking his head.
 
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.