Dubai/Brisbane, Nov.24 : The Australia team has been fined for maintaining a slow over-rate during its 149-run victory against New Zealand in the first Test played between November 20 and 23.

An ICC press release said that Chris Broad of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees imposed the fines after Ricky Ponting's side was ruled to be three overs short of its target when time allowances were taken into consideration.

In accordance with the ICC Code of Conduct regulations governing over-rate penalties, players are fined five per cent of their match fees for every over their side fails to bowl in the allotted time, with the captain fined double that amount.

As such, Ponting was fined 30 per cent of his match fee while his players have each received 15 per cent fines.

The offence is contrary to Section J of the ICC Code of Conduct that relates to slow over-rates. For such offences, the decision of the ICC match referee is final and binding.

According to Fox Sports, Australia's recent Tests in India were plagued by slow over-rates and Ponting came in for massive criticism for using part-time bowlers with the series in the balance during the fourth Test in Nagpur to avoid fines.

ANI