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18-Dec-2009 06:09:00 GMT
Australia vs West Indies, 3rd Test, 2nd Day Perth

Benn Suspended, Haddin, Johnson Fined

Perth: West Indies spinner Sulieman Benn has been suspended for two One-Day Internationals, while Australia's Brad Haddin and Mitchell Johnson have been fined over a heated on-field altercation during the first Test.

The International Cricket Council said on Friday that Benn will miss the opening two limited-overs matches against Australia in Melbourne on February 7 and Adelaide on February 9. Haddin and Johnson have been fined 25 percent and 10 percent of their respective match fees for their part in the altercation.

Benn was charged with an article 2.2.11 offence while both Haddin and Johnson were charged with an article 2.1.8 offence. Both these offences prohibit players from conducting themselves in any way that is not in accordance with the spirit of the game.

For Level 2 offences players have the right to appeal against match referee's decision within 48 hours of notification of that decision, while for a first Level 1 offence the match referee's decision is final and binding.

The incident took place during Australia's first innings, when bowler Benn collided with non-striker Johnson while trying to field a ball.

As the Aussies completed the single, Haddin became involved when he pointed his bat at Benn. After fielding the last ball of the over, Benn shaped to throw at the striker's end with Haddin standing in his crease.

The three players became embroiled in a heated altercation at the end of the over, with Benn pointing at Haddin over Johnson's shoulder and the Aussie fast bowler tried to push him away.

Benn pleaded not guilty to his level two offense but match referee Chris Broad found him guilty at a hearing following the second day's play in Perth.

"It was an incident which could have been avoided," Broad said in a statement. "No one likes to see cricketers pointing bats at their opponents or pushing each other away. It is not the sort of example that players should be setting at any time."

Haddin and Johnson pleaded guilty to their respective offenses. Benn has the right to appeal the match referee's decision within 48 hours.


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