4 instances when Australians were fined for overboard celebration

Australian Captain Steve Smith has been shaking his head in disapproval at Virat Kohli for celebrating his wicket with gusto. Captain Smith is of the opinion that sledging is fine during the course of the game, but celebrating a wicket like that is just not done. Going by Captain Smith's words, the Australian team would never celebrate a wicket in a raucous or offensive manner. They would not be caught dead taunting the batsman after taking a wicket. They are quite above board when it comes to gracefully claiming a wicket. Except perhaps in certain instances, only a few of which are about to be recounted. One can see here that there have been times, innumerable times in fact, that Australian players did the exact opposite of the standard Captain Smith is talking about.Here is a look at 5 such instances:

#1 Mitchell Starc

Mitchell Starc yelling at Murali Vijay

Mitchell Starc let loose a primal yell after taking Murali Vijay's wicket. The yell would not be out of place in a gladiatorial environment, but in what remains of the gentleman's game that sort of conduct is asking for a fine.

The Umpires Kumar Dharmasena and Richard Kettleborough, third umpire Simon Fry and fourth umpire Gerard Abood were all in agreement that Starc’s behaviour was out of line.

Specifically, they found it in conflict with Article 2.1.8 of the ICC Code of Conduct stating that it is(a) is contrary to the spirit of the game; or (b) brings the game into disrepute."

An ICC media release in fact described Starc’s behaviour as “an exaggerated celebration”.

“The match officials felt that the player’s behaviour was not appropriate, and he was reminded of his responsibilities to extend respect to his opponent and to play within the spirit of the game at all times,” said ICC Match Referee Roshan Mahanama.

Seems pretty comprehensive.

#2 James Faulkner

James Faulkner said something which can't be repeated

James Faulkner, he who was given a fitting reply by Virat Kohli for sledging, is no stranger to aggressive on field behavior. In the 3rd match of the ODI series between Australia and West Indies, Faulkner took Chris Gayle's wicket in the 38th over.

What got him in hot water is what he said to Chris Gayle next. Faulkner told Gayle to do something rhyming with 'Duck off". While making a gesture of mouthing off is innocuous enough, telling someone to do what Faulkner did is in breach of the ICC's code of conduct.

He was fined 10% of his match fees under Article 2.1.4 of the ICC code of conduct which relates to "using language or a gesture that is obscene, offensive or insulting during an International Match".

The match referee Ranjan Madugalle admonished him saying, "There is no place for this type of behaviour 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."

#3 Shane Watson

Shane Watson flying off the handle

Shane Watson found himself losing 15% of his match fees for his over the top, roaring celebration of Chris Gayle's wicket right in Chris Gayle's face.

"Shane is a very energetic and enthusiastic bowler but on this occasion he has gone too far by running down the wicket screaming, thereby not showing due respect for the opponent," said umpire Chris Broad. "While handing down the punishment, I took into account that Shane admitted his mistake by pleading guilty."

"I spoke to him quickly at lunch-time and I said I think he needs to be careful about the way he reacts or celebrates his dismissals," the other umpire Tim Nielsen said.

One wonders what Steve Smith would make of these celebrations if a simple mouthing off gesture from far away seems out of line to him.

#4 Brett Lee

Premature exhilaration

Brett Lee wanted to play the role of the bowler and the umpire as he vehmently celebrated taking a wicket even before it was delcared as a wicket taken.

"Brett is confused about this verdict in that he thought he saw the umpire gesture that it was out," ICC match referee Jeff Crowe said. "The simple fact is that Brett did not stop and wait for the umpire's actual decision, out or not out, before starting his celebrations." Lee was fined 25% of his match fees for over-appealing when he assumed Kevin Pietersen to be out. Umpire Steve Bucknor thought otherwise though.

Pieterson was given not out and TV replays confirmed the decision as the correct one.