Cricket Australia (CA) advises that Michael Clarke has been reprimanded for breaching CA’s Code of Behavior on day two of the NSW Blues v Tasmanian Tigers Bupa Sheffield Shield match at Blacktown International Sportspark.

Michael Clarke. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Clarke was reported by the umpires for breaching Article 2.1.3 Showing Dissent at an Umpire’s decision.

The batsman was given the benefit of the doubt when a close to the ground catch was claimed at gully.  When the umpire gave a “not out” decision Clarke used the ‘T sign’ or player decision review signal intimating the decision should be reviewed by the third umpire.  Shield matches are not televised and therefore a third umpire is not used.

As part of the code of behavior revisions, if any player uses the T sign, in gest or not, it will lead to an automatic report as it shows dissent at the umpire decision.

Clarke admitted guilt and accepted Match Referee Daryl Harper’s proposed penalty of a reprimand.  A hearing was not required.

This was Clarke’s first offence in the past 18 months.