Jamaica Gleaner
Published: Thursday | January 8, 2009
Home : Sport
Pollard incurs official reprimand
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (CMC):

Kieron Pollard has received an official reprimand for his conduct during the third one-day international against New Zealand yesterday at the Westpac Stadium.

The 21-year-old was found to have breached Level 1.2 of the International Code of Conduct which relates to "abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, group equipment of fixtures and fittings".

Pollard damaged the glass door in the West Indies' dressing room with his bat, after he returned to the pavilion after umpired Mark Benson adjudged him lbw to Daniel Vettori, as the visitors crumbled to 128 all out in the 42nd over.

Inappropriate behaviour

"That is inappropriate behaviour and clearly unacceptable as the players are expected to accept and respect the umpires' decision," Match Referee Javagal Srinath said.

"The player pleaded guilty to the charge and apologised for his actions to New Zealand Cricket. This apology, and the fact he is relatively early in his career, were taken into consideration."

Under the code, all Level 1 breaches carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand and a maximum penalty of a fine equivalent to 50 per cent of a player's match fee. For all Level 1 breaches, the match referee's decision is final and binding.

Unlucky

The incident was brought to the attention of the match referee by both New Zealand Cricket's administrative manager Tim Murdoch and West Indies cricket manager Omar Khan.

Replays indicated Pollard was unlucky as the ball clipped his bat as he stretched forward to play a defensive shot.

Pollard swung his bat in disgust as he walked off and he lashed out at a door, smashing a glass panel as he made his way down the players' tunnel.

West Indies lost the match by three wickets to square the five-match series 1-1 before the fourth game in Auckland on Saturday.

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