Zimbabwe's Campbell fined for umpiring comments

The International Cricket Council said on Sunday that it had fined Zimbabwe opening batsman Alistair Campbell a quarter of his match fee for comments he made about an umpiring decision last week.

Campbell told a news conference that Australian Andrew Symonds should have been given out caught behind during the January 30 limited overs international match in Hobart which Australia won by six wickets.

"All of us were convinced Andrew Symonds gloved the first ball of the Australian innings through to the keeper," Campbell said.

"And after that he made us pay by hitting 60 off 47 balls, giving them a flying start.

"The old adage that catches win matches is true but only if they are given out. Look at the TV replay. Everyone thought he was out except the umpire."

ICC match referee Denis Lindsay fined Campbell after a meeting with Zimbabwe team officials and captain Heath Streak.

Lindsay found Campbell guilty of transgressing the players' code which states players must accept the umpire's decision and not show dissent or make any public comment that is detrimental to cricket in general.

Mail Cricket Editor