Perth Test: Watson charged with poor behaviour

Perth (Australia), Dec. 20 (ANI): Australian all-rounder Shane Watson became the fourth player to be charged for poor behaviour during an ill-tempered third Test following his unsightly celebration of the wicket of West Indian captain Chris Gayle on day four yesterday.

Watson screamed maniacally and aggressively in Gayle's direction after dismissing him before lunch at the WACA Ground.

His actions did not escape the attention of ICC match referee Chris Broad - the game's code of conduct states that bowlers must not seek to humiliate a batsman after his dismissal.

Umpires Ian Gould and Billy Bowden charged Watson with bringing the game into disrepute under clause 1.8 of the code, the same offence brought against West Indian Sulieman Benn and Australians Brad Haddin and Mitchell Johnson.

Australian coach Tim Nielsen said he had already addressed the issue after Watson was spoken to by both umpires after his over-exuberant celebration and then, at the umpires' request, by Ponting.

"I spoke to [Watson] at lunch time and said I think he needs to be careful about the way he reacts or celebrates his dismissals," he said.

"I think that has been one of the things about this Test match that there has been quite a bit of niggle between the playing groups out there and it's something we are conscious of and something I am talking to the playing group about. 'We are trying to maintain a pretty even keel as often as we can but at the same time when people get emotional and it's hot and you're tired and there is a game on the line you can understand some of those reactions are maybe over the top sometimes," the Sydney Morning Herald quoted him, as saying further.

Asked what he thought of Watson's histrionics when he bounded up and down and yelled in the personal space of Gayle after taking his wicket for 21 during the second innings yesterday, West Indies team manager Joel Garner said: "I am not even going to entertain the thought. The match referee is the man in charge and he will do whatever he feels is best. I go back to Animal Farm days, George Orwell, they say all animals are equal and later on in the same book they say some animals are more equal than others. Maybe that applies in some cases."

Garner, still seething about inconsistencies in the punishments handed to Benn, Haddin and Johnson after the mid-pitch blow-up on the second day of the Test, said yesterday the provocation of Benn started long before the third Test.

Benn was found guilty of a level-two offence and suspended for two one-day internationals while the two Australians received fines for less serious level-one offences.

"They slapped two fellas on the wrist and they killed the other fella," the fast-bowling legend told the Herald.

"I have a problem with the way that justice is being administered," he added. (ANI)