Slater suspended, fined

Australia opening batsman Michael Slater has been suspended for the second Test against India, beginning at the Eden Gardens on Sunday, and fined 50 per cent of his match fees for violating the players' Code of Conduct.

Match referee Cammie Smith, who had let the batsman off with a mild warning after his row with India batsman Rahul Dravid and umpire S Venkataraghavan in the first Test in Bombay, made the decision, after hearing the batsman, following his comments in an interview to an Australian radio station about his controversial catch of Rahul Dravid, which was disallowed by the third umpire.

Cricket Association of Bengal president Jagmohan Dalmiya said Smith had intimated him [Dalmiya] about the decision to suspend the opener and impose a fine on him.

In addition to being barred from playing in the second Test, Dalmiya said, Slater was handed a suspended ban from March 9 to September 8.

Also see:
Slater warned for Test row
Slater apologises to Dravid
Who dares wins

Mail Cricket Editor