PERTH, Dec 3: Fiery Australian fast bowler Brett Lee appeared before a disciplinary hearing here Monday night to face two charges relating to his on-field behaviour during the fourth day of the third cricket Test against New Zealand.

An Australian Cricket Board spokesman said Lee had been charged under two clauses in the players’ code of conduct covering the bringing of the game into disrepute and the use of abusive language or making offensive gestures.

Lee, who took four wickets in the New Zealand second innings, appeared before match referee Jackie Hendriks, of West Indies.

Umpires Darrell Hair and Ian Robinson and Australian captain Steve Waugh were also present.

The spokesman said Hendriks would view videotape of the day’s play at the WACA ground and release a verdict Tuesday.

The match umpire is empowered to impose a fine or suspension.

A suspension would be a serious blow to Australia’s hopes in the three Test series against South Africa for the unofficial World Test Championship, starting in Adelaide on Friday week.—AFP