Melbourne Stars coach David Hussey handed fine for spikes joke

Cricket Australia handed down the punishment after Hussey joked in a television interview during his side’s defeat against Adelaide Strikers that he had worn spiked boots on the pitch before the start of play

Melbourne Stars head coach David Hussey has been fined £1,043 (AU$2,000) after being found guilty of making comments that were seen as contrary to the spirit of cricket.

Cricket Australia handed down the punishment after the 42-year-old joked in a television interview during his side’s defeat against Adelaide Strikers that he had worn spiked boots on the pitch before the start of play.

According to the laws of the game, “prior to the start of play, only the captain and team coach may walk on the pitch to assess its condition. Spiked footwear is not permitted at this time”.

Hussey was found not guilty of committing the offence – his comment had been in jest – and it was made clear that he had not been attempting to gain an unfair advantage for his Stars team.

Nevertheless, the comments were deemed to contravene the code of conduct set out.

Cricket Australia stated: “Stars coach David Hussey has been fined $2,000 for a level one breach of Article 2.23 of Cricket Australia’s Code of Conduct for acting contrary to the Spirit of Cricket.

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“Hussey accepted the offence and sanction under Article 2.23 after earlier being found not guilty by independent Code of Conduct Commissioner Adrian Anderson of breaching Article 2.18 for attempting to gain an unfair advantage during a Big Bash League match.

“The initial charge was lodged by the officiating match umpires after watching a television interview Hussey conducted during the ninth over of the Melbourne Stars’ innings against the Adelaide Strikers at the Adelaide Oval on Wednesday, January 22.

“The personal actions Hussey described during the interview were deemed to be contrary to Section 6.3.4 of the Big Bash League playing conditions, which states: “Prior to the start of play, only the captain and team coach may walk on the pitch to assess its condition. Spiked footwear is not permitted at this time.”

Hussey added: “I would like to apologise for my comments made at our match against the Strikers on Wednesday. These comments were made in jest and in a light-hearted moment with the commentators.

“I never intended to suggest that I had in any way broken the rules of the game. I realise that my comments, broadcast to our fans and supporters, may have undermined the Spirit of Cricket and for this I apologise.”