Lehmann fined for Broad comments

The ICC has fined Australia's coach, Darren Lehmann, over his comments that Stuart Broad had blatantly cheated in failing to walk when he edged Ashton Agar during the first Investec Test at Trent Bridge. Lehmann has been fined 20% of his match fee for the final Test over the interview with the Australian radio station Triple M this week, in which he also said he hoped spectators would "give it to" Broad during the upcoming Ashes series in Australia.

Lehmann pleaded guilty to breaching Article 2.1.7 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which relates to "public criticism of, or inappropriate comment in relation to an incident occurring in an international match or any player, player support personnel, match official or team participating in any international match."

The ICC chief executive, David Richardson, laid the charge and on Thursday night, Lehmann admitted the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by the match referee Roshan Mahanama, who is overseeing the ongoing Test at The Oval.

"Whilst noting the context and nature of the comments made, showing mutual respect for one's fellow professionals - including for coaches, players and match officials - is a cornerstone of how we play the game," Richardson said.

During the radio interview, Lehmann was asked about the incident from the first Test in which Broad edged and the catch was taken at first slip after deflecting off the wicketkeeper Brad Haddin. Lehmann said it was a case of cheating on the part of Broad.

"Certainly our players haven't forgotten, they're calling him everything under the sun as they go past," Lehmann said in the interview. "I hope the Australian public are the same because that was just blatant cheating. I don't advocate walking but when you hit it to first slip it's pretty hard."