Perth all-rounder Mitch Marsh will be $5,000 poorer, but he will be allowed to play in the Scorchers’ next qualifying final after an outburst at the umpire.
Marsh was controversially given out caught behind in Saturday night’s Big Bash League playoff loss to the top-ranked Sydney Sixers.
A Steve O’Keefe delivery was speared down the leg side and it appeared Marsh had not got his bat to it before it reached the gloves of Josh Philippe, but the umpire’s finger was raised.
Marsh initially stood in disbelief and shouted “No!” back towards the umpire, before starting his walk off the field.
He appeared to vent some more frustration by shouting at a celebrating Sixers player, before turning back and shouting expletives at the umpire.
The former Test star risked a suspension for the Scorchers’ next final, but he only received a $5,000 fine.
He was charged with a level two offence under the Cricket Australia code of conduct for showing dissent at an umpire’s decision.
“I accept the fine handed down to me, my reaction to the umpire’s decision was unacceptable and not the example I want to be setting for any young cricketer,” Marsh said.
“I have complete respect for the umpires and the job they do. I’ll learn from this and look forward to Thursday night’s match.”
In came towards the end of a season when the umpiring in the BBL has repeatedly been called into question after a series of dubious decisions.
The Scorchers’ next game will be a qualifier on February 4 against the winner of tonight’s game between the Sydney Thunder and Brisbane Heat.
