SYDNEY, Jan 3: Australian fast bowler Brett Lee escaped with an official reprimand after being found guilty of dissent during the third and final Test against South Africa on Tuesday.

Lee was ordered to appear before the International Cricket Council (ICC) match referee after being reported by umpires Aleem Dar, Billy Bowden and third umpire Bob Parry for a level one offence relating to “showing dissent at an umpire’s decision by action or verbal abuse”.

Lee had had a heated discussion with the umpires after they turned down an lbw appeal against South African batsman Jacques Kallis before tea on the first day of the match.

A Cricket Australia spokesman said Lee had been found guilty of the charge during a hearing after the second day’s play and had been officially reprimanded by ICC match referee Chris Broad.

Lee had a heated discussion with Pakistani umpire Aleem after his leg before wicket appeal against Jacques Kallis was turned down in the 27th over of Monday’s opening day’s play.

At the end of that over, Lee followed Aleem to further discuss the decision. He was heard on television audio demanding of Aleem: “Why is it not out, I’m asking for a reason?”

Aleem replied: “Please, it’s not out, not out, that’s all.”

Lee was led away from Aleem by team vice-captain Adam Gilchrist.—Agencies