Lehmann handed suspended fine for action query

Updated December 28, 2012 00:39:06

Brisbane Heat coach Darren Lehmann has been hit with an official Cricket Australia reprimand for his controversial comments questioning the legality of West Indian all-rounder Marlon Samuels' bowling action.

Lehmann, in Sydney preparing his side for Friday night's Big Bash League match with the winless Sydney Thunder, was found guilty of breaching CA's code of behaviour following a hearing via a phone hook-up.

For his troubles, Lehmann received a $3000 fine suspended for two years.

Lehmann raised the ire of CA for questioning Samuels' fast-paced offspinners - which led to the West Indian being banned from the Indian Premier League earlier this year - in Brisbane's five-wicket loss to the Melbourne Renegades last weekend.

"I just want something done. He couldn't bowl in the IPL last year, yet he can bowl in the BBL," Lehmann said after the match.

"If he's deemed legal, I'm totally understanding of that. But from my point of view, from 20 years of cricket, I've got a problem with 120km/h off no (run-up) steps."

As a result, CA deemed the former Test batsman had breached Rule 9: Detrimental Public Comment in CA's code of behaviour.

The rule states players or officials must not "denigrate or criticise another player or denigrate or criticise an official, umpire, referee or team".

Tags: sport, cricket, brisbane-4000

First posted December 27, 2012 19:44:37

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Lehmann cops heat over Samuels remark

Updated December 23, 2012 18:26:35

Brisbane Heat coach Darren Lehmann has been charged with breaching Cricket Australia's behaviour code for questioning the bowling action of West Indian Marlon Samuels.

Lehmann complained about Samuels' action after the Heat's loss to the Melbourne Renegades on Saturday night in the Big Bash League (BBL).

"I've spoken to the umpires about it. I just want something done," Lehmann said post-match.

"He couldn't bowl in the IPL (Indian Premier League) last year, yet he can bowl in the BBL.

"We have got to seriously look at what we're doing. Are we here to play cricket properly or what?

"If he is deemed legal, I'm totally understanding of that.

"But from my point of view, from 20 years' cricket, I have got a problem with 120km/h off no steps."

Samuels was banned from bowling in the IPL earlier this year when reported for a suspect action.

Cricket Australia (CA) charged Lehmann with breaching the code of behaviour, specifically regarding detrimental public comment.

The code states a player or official must not "denigrate or criticise another player ... by inappropriately commenting on any aspect of his or her performance, abilities or characteristics".

Lehmann would face a commission hearing at a date to be set, CA said in a statement.

Samuels, in January 2008, was reported for a suspect bowling action while playing a Test match for the West Indies against South Africa.

He was subsequently banned from bowling in international matches, a suspension lifted in 2011 after Samuels underwent biomechanical testing in Perth.

But in April this year, Samuels again was reported for a suspect action while bowling for the Pune Warriors in the IPL.

Under CA's doubtful bowling action policy, any bowler mentioned by three different umpires in the same season is reported, while umpires also have the option to bypass the mentions process and lodge a report directly.

AAP

Tags: twenty20, cricket, sport, brisbane-4000, qld, australia

First posted December 23, 2012 18:26:35

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