MELBOURNE, Dec 28: Australia captain Steve Waugh was called before a disciplinary hearing on Friday after he stood his ground despite being given out during the second Test against South Africa at Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Waugh lingered at the crease after umpire Darrell Hair had given him out run out for 90 as Australia reached 487 for nine in reply to South Africa’s 277.

Waugh, 36, made a diving attempt to make his ground at the striker’s end after Damien Martyn pushed a ball to point with the score on 429 after a fifth-wicket partnership of 81 in 92 minutes.

Australia team spokesman Brian Murgatroyd said Waugh had attended a 20-minute hearing with International Cricket Council (ICC) match referee Ranjan Madugalle and umpires Hair and Eddie Nicholls after the third day’s play.

Waugh was charged under section C3 of the ICC’s code of conduct which states: “Players and/or team officials must at all times accept the umpire’s decision and not show dissent at the umpire’s decision.”

Waugh, one of the biggest names in Test cricket and boasting 27 centuries in 144 Tests, faces a possible fine or even a three-Test ban if found guilty.

Television replays suggested wicketkeeper Mark Boucher might have broken the stumps before the throw from Herschelle Gibbs reached him.

Murgatroyd said an announcement on the hearing would be made public on Saturday.—Reuters