Outrage in New Zealand media over Johnson’s Napier ODI “head clash”
By ANIThursday, March 4, 2010
NAPIER - New Zealand media have strongly reacted to Australian fast bowler Mitchell Johnson’s head butt with New Zealand batsman Scott Styris during Wednesday’s opening ODI at McLean Park in Napier.
Johnson appeared to head-butt Styris’s helmet after a verbal battle in the 46th over of the New Zealand’s innings, when Styris hit him for successive fours as the Kiwis closed in on victory.
The 28-year-old later pleaded guilty for the incident, which meant a full hearing was not required by match referee Ranjan Madugalle.
He was charged with a Level 2 offence of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players or Team Official, which provides for a two-match suspension, but Mudagalle opted to fine him 60 percent of his match fee.
“Johnson was again reminiscent of Glenn McGrath; although only in the sense that his puerile histrionics soured a match that had otherwise been played in the highest of spirits,” The Herald Sun quoted the TVNZ, as having written on its website.
It is the second time this summer that Johnson has been involved in a physical altercation with an opposition player.
He was earlier fined for bringing the game into disrepute after he and wicketkeeper Brad Haddin clashed with West Indies bowler Sulieman Benn in Perth in November. (ANI)
