The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Sunday (January 10) imposed 15 per cent match fee fine on Australia skipper Tim Paine for breaching Level 1 of its code of conduct during the third day’s play in the ongoing Test against India at SCG.

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Paine was found to have violated Article 2.8 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to “showing dissent at an umpire’s decision during an International Match.”

“In addition to this, one demerit point has been added to the disciplinary record of Paine, for whom it was the first offence in a 24-month period,” the ICC said in a media release.

The incident happened during the 56th over of India’s first innings. Australia made a huge appeal off Nathan Lyon’s bowling as the hosts believed Cheteshwar Pujara was caught in close on the leg side by Matthew Wade.

On-field umpire Paul Wilson didn’t give the Indian batsman out and the home team then opted to review the decision. Third umpire Bruce Oxenford was not able to find any conclusive evidence on Snicko and Hot Spot and thus the umpire's call stayed and Pujara carried on batting.

It was then that Paine lost his composure and was heard on stump mics, saying that the third umpire needed to closely examine the off-side Hot Spot rather than looking at just the leg-side version.

“Paine admitted the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by David Boon of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees and ratified by the ICC Cricket Operations department as per the COVID-19 interim playing regulations. There was no need for a formal hearing,” the ICC further said in a statement.

On-field umpires Paul Reiffel and Paul Wilson, third umpire Bruce Oxenford and fourth official Claire Polosak levelled the charge.

(With ICC inputs)