Cricket star punished for brash outburst

Perth Scorchers all-rounder Mitchell Marsh has avoided suspension following his brash outburst during Saturday evening’s Big Bash League final against the Sydney Sixers at Manuka Oval.

Marsh lost his temper after he was given out caught behind off Steve O’Keefe’s bowling for two during the first innings in Canberra.

The 29-year-old screamed “F***” before growling something at the celebrating Sixers and making his way back to the changerooms.

It was clean work from Josh Philippe behind the stumps, but replays showed the ball missed the bat.

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On Sunday afternoon, Marsh was charged by match referee Bob Stratford with a Level 2 offence for showing dissent at an umpire’s decision, and accepted a $5000 fine.

“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 in a statement.

“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.”

Stephen O’Keefe of the Sixers celebrates after claiming the wicket of Mitchell Marsh.Source:Getty Images

On Saturday evening, Australian legend Ricky Ponting suggested Marsh would be lucky to escape the incident without a suspension.

Earlier in the season, Melbourne Stars spinner Adam Zampa was suspended for one match for swearing, which Ponting feared has set a precedent.

“You name another time in the game where you’ve seen a reaction like that for as prolonged as that was from a batsman,” Ponting said on Channel 7. “I’m not hoping he does (get suspended) but I reckon he will.

“He will have to pay in some way, shape or form for his reaction to that dismissal. Let’s hope it is not a bad outcome. It will be bad in one way or the other, but his reaction was over the top and not expected from a senior Australian player.”

F#%><%%^ me …. a 5k fine for Mitch Marsh last night for showing some emotion in a semi final!!! If there is a god the umpire would put his hand up and pay that fine.#dreadfuldecision !!! #dotherighttthing!!!!!

The Scorchers suffered a nine-wicket defeat to the defending champions, who will host next weekend’s Grand Final at the SCG.

To qualify for the tournament decider, the Scorchers will need to defeat either the Sydney Thunder or Brisbane Heat in The Challenger on Thursday evening.

After Western Australia Premier Mark McGowan announced Perth would go into a five-day lockdown, The Challenger was moved from Optus Stadium to Manuka Oval.

— with Andrew McMurtry

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