Johnson, Styris fined over Napier ODI "head clash"

Napier, Mar 4(ANI): Australian fast bowler Mitchell Johnson has been fined 60 percent of his match fee for headbutting New Zealand batsman Scott Styris's helmet during Wednesday's opening ODI at McLean Park in Napier.

The ICC said Johnson, who appeared to head-butt Styris's helmet after a verbal battle in the 46th over of the New Zealand's innings, was charged with a Level 2 offence of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players or Team Officials, which relates to "inappropriate and deliberate physical contact between players in the course of play".

Johnson pleaded guilty over the incident, which meant a full hearing was not required with match referee Ranjan Madugalle.

Meanwhile, umpires Rudi Koertzen and Tony Hill felt that Styris had contributed to the verbal exchange that preceded the physical contact.

Styris was fined 15 percent of his match fee for his role in the incident as his actions contravened clause 2.1.8, which covers actions that are contrary to the spirit of cricket or bring the game into disrepute, the ICC added.

When asked if he had been head-butted by Johnson, Styris said: "He may have done. It was just a bit of friendly banter."

"He was trying to get into my head to get me out and I was trying to win the battle over him. There wasn't anything untoward I think out there," Fox Sports quoted Styris, as saying. (ANI)