MOHALI, Oct 21: India paceman Zaheer Khan was fined 80 percent of his match fee after being found guilty of a code of conduct breach following the second Test win over Australia on Tuesday.

Zaheer, summoned for a disciplinary hearing by International Cricket Council (ICC) match referee Chris Broad after the game, pleaded guilty to a level two charge under the code of conduct rules, a statement from the governing body said.

Zaheer appeared to say something to opener Matthew Hayden following the batsman’s dismissal before tea on Monday’s fourth day.

India won by 320 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the four-match series.

“Clearly, this sort of behaviour is not acceptable at any level of cricket — it showed a lack of respect for the player who had been dismissed,” Broad said in the statement.

“Respect for the opposition was something that we talked about in the pre-series meeting I had with both captains and so it was disappointing that Zaheer behaved in this way.

“However, in considering the penalty, I took into account the fact that Zaheer had a good disciplinary record. He also pleaded guilty at the first opportunity and was very apologetic while also promising not to repeat the offence.”

The bowler, fielding in the deep, ran towards Hayden as he made his way back to the pavilion before turning towards his celebrating team mates. Hayden gestured at the umpire before walking off.—Reuters