Darren Lehmann rapped, fined for Marlon Samuels remarks

Sydney:  Brisbane Heat coach Darren Lehmann was Thursday officially reprimanded and slapped with a suspended fine by cricket officials after questioning the bowling action of West Indian Marlon Samuels.

Cricket Australia said Lehmann was convicted of breaching the Code of Behaviour with remarks in a media interview after the Heat's loss to the Melbourne Renegades in Australia's Twenty20 Big Bash League on Saturday night.

"At a hearing today, Commissioner John Price found Lehmann guilty of breaching Rule nine: Detrimental Public Comment," the governing body said.

"Lehmann received an official reprimand and a Aus$3,000 fine suspended for two years."

The Heat coach questioned why Samuels, whose bowling has often come under scrutiny in a turbulent career, was allowed to play in the Big Bash League when he was banned from bowling in the Indian Premier League due to suspect action.

"If he is deemed legal, I'm totally understanding of that. But from my point of view, from 20 years' cricket, I have got a problem with 120kmh off no steps," Lehmann said.

Under Cricket Australia rules a player or official must not "denigrate or criticise another player or denigrate or criticise an official, umpire, referee or team against which they have played or will play".