Faulkner fined for breaching ICC Code of Conduct

James Faulkner of Australia has been fined 10 per cent of his match fee for a Level 1 breach of the ICC Code of Conduct during his side's 39 runs victory over the West Indies in the third ODI of the five-match series in Canberra on Wednesday.

Faulkner was found to have breached Article 2.1.4 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel (the "Code") which relates to "using language or a gesture that is obscene, offensive or insulting during an International Match".

The incident related to the bowler's actions after he dismissed West Indies batsman Chris Gayle in the 38th over. After the match, Faulkner pleaded guilty to the charge and accepted the sanction proposed by the Match Referee, Ranjan Madugalle, of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees. As such, there was no need for a formal hearing.

Explaining his decision, Mr Madugalle said: "There is no place for this type of behavior anywhere near the game. The players are expected to respect the opponents all the time. In this particular incident, James crossed the line and I'm sure he will learn from this incident."

The charge had been laid by the on-field umpires Asad Rauf, Simon Fry, third umpire Nigel Llong and fourth umpire Paul Reiffel.