Smith pleads guilty for showing dissent to umpire

Australian skipper Steve Smith has admitted a dissent charge levelled against him by the International Cricket Council (ICC) amid continuing argument with umpire during the second Test against New Zealand at Hagley Oval in Christchurch.

The 26-year-old was charged with dissent in connection with the same obscenity-laden rant that had cost fast bowler Josh Hazlewood 15 percent of his match fee.

The incident happened during the last over before lunch when Hazlewood, after his review was turned down by the TV umpire, used obscene language that was picked up by the stump microphone and subsequently by the broadcast.

Smith, who was clearly unimpressed with Ranmore Martinesz's decision to give Kane Williamson not out, also lashed out at the umpire.

However, Williamson fell three runs short of a century and ended up scoring 97 runs in his side's innings.

Reflecting on the incident, Smith, who is yet to be charged for his actions, admitted that he and Hazlewood had over-stepped the mark, Stuff.co.nz reported.

Smith, however, insisted that he was within his rights and was just asking the umpire to use the real time Snickometer during the game.

Australia later went on to reclaim world number one Test spot after recording a comfortable seven-wicket win over New Zealand in the final match to clinch the Trans-Tasman series 2-0.

The two sides will now play together in the opening match of the World T20 in India on March 18.