/ 12 April 2005

Kallis cleared of misconduct charge

South African batsman Jacques Kallis has been cleared of any wrongdoing following a misconduct hearing in Trinidad with International Cricket Council (ICC) match referee Jeff Crowe on Sunday.

Kallis had been charged of breaching the section of the ICC Code of Conduct that relates to showing dissent at an umpire’s decision, by either action or verbal abuse.

Kallis had been reported by umpires David Shepherd, Aleem Dar and Billy Doctrove for showing dissent following his dismissal — adjudged lbw to Dwayne Bravo for 39 — late on the second day of the Test match between South Africa and the West Indies.

”On all the evidence presented, the actions of the player did not breach the ICC Code of Conduct,” Crowe said.

”While the incident did not look good on television, I am satisfied with the explanation provided by the player and requested him to show his own disappointment in a less than obvious manner.”

All level-one breaches of the ICC Code of Conduct carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand and a maximum of 50% of a player’s match fee. In addition to Crowe, Kallis and the three umpires, the hearing on Sunday was attended by South Africa manager Goolam Raja. — Sapa- AFP