Australia bowler Josh Hazlewood fined by ICC for verbally attacking third umpire

Australia fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has pleaded guilty to swearing in reaction to an umpire's decision and has been fined 15% of his match fee after the fourth day of the second Test against New Zealand in Christchurch. The 25-year-old was incandescent with rage after video umpire Richard Illingworth gave Kiwi Kane Williamson not out following a review in the final over before lunch.

Hazlewood was part of a vociferous appeal after seemingly trapping Williamson lbw on his crease, with captain Steven Smith immediately reviewing the not out decision made by on-field umpire Ranmore Martinesz. On review, Illingworth noticed an inside edge via Hotspot from the Black Caps batsman which ensured the decision remained unchanged, much to the consternation of Hazlewood and Smith.

The New South Wales seamer was then broadcast, via the stump microphone, questioning "who the f**k is the third umpire?" Hazlewood admitted the charge from the four match officials including on-field umpires Richard Kettleborough and Martinesz and has been reprimanded by cricket's world governing body. Australia captain Smith, who was also involved in a confrontation with the officials, has escaped punishment.

Williamson went on to score 97 as New Zealand were eventually bowled out for 335, leaving Australia requiring 201 to clinch the two-match series 2-0. The tourists closed on 70 for 1 and victory on day five would see them replace India as the number one ranked Test nation.