Benn suspended, Aussies fined over confrontation

Perth:

West Indies spinner Sulieman Benn has been suspended for two one-day internationals, while Australia's Brad Haddin and Mitchell Johnson have been fined over a heated on-field altercation during the first cricket Test.

The International Cricket Council said Friday that Benn will miss the opening two limited-overs matches against Australia in Melbourne on Feb. 7 and Adelaide on Feb. 9. Haddin and Johnson have been fined 25 percent and 10 percent of their respective match fees for their part in the altercation.

The incident that led to the charges being laid took place during the 118th over of Australia's first innings. On the first ball of the over, Benn collided with non-striker Johnson while trying to stop the ball off his own bowling.

Two balls later, Haddin became involved when he pointed his bat at the bowler who had shaped to throw at the striker's end with the batsman standing in his crease.

The three players then got embroiled in a heated altercation at the end of the 118th over with the 28-year-old from Barbados pointing at the Australia wicketkeeper over the shoulder of Johnson.

Commenting on his findings, Broad said: "It was an incident which could have been avoided. No one likes to see cricketers pointing bats at their opponents or pushing each other away.

"It is not the sort of example that players should be setting at any time, least of all in a series which is being played in a great spirit and being followed by millions around the world on television.

"The decision to find Sulieman guilty of a Level 2 offence is indicative of the fact that conduct contrary to the spirit of the game is completely unacceptable. I hope he has learnt his lesson and will be careful in the future."

Sanctions included in Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct can range from an official reprimand to a fine of up to 50 per cent of a player's match fee, while the penalty for a Level 2 offence ranges from a fine of between 50 and 100 per cent of the player's match fee and/or two suspension points.

Haddin and Johnson pleaded guilty to their respective offenses. Benn has the right to appeal the match referee's decision within 48 hours.