Australia and Ishant Sharma fined in 2nd Test

Australia was Sunday fined for a slow over-rate and India fast bowler Ishant Sharma has been found guilty of breaching the ICC Code of Conduct during the the second Test, which the home side won by four wickets at Brisbane.

Jeff Crowe of the Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees imposed the fine on Australia after Steven Smith's side was ruled to be three overs short of its target when time allowances were taken into consideration.

In accordance with Article 2.5.1 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to minor over-rate offences, players are fined 10 percent of their match fees for every over their side fails to bowl in the allotted time, and the captain fined double that amount.

As such, Smith has been fined 60 percent of his match fee, while his players have received 30 percent fines.

If Smith is found guilty of one more minor over-rate offence as captain in Tests over the next 12 months, he will receive a one-match suspension as per the provisions of the Code.

Meanwhile, Ishant Sharma has been fined 15 percent of his match fee for violating Level 1 Article 2.1.4 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to "language or a gesture that is obscene, offensive or insulting during an International match".

The incident happened in the first innings when Ishant was seen on television screens using inappropriate words after dismissing Australia captain Steven Smith.

The Indian pacer admitted the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by the match referee. As such, there was no need for a formal hearing.