CA charges Ryan Harris for Twitter rant over BBL match

Former Test fast bowler Ryan Harris has been reprimanded and fined for breaching Cricket Australia's Code of Conduct by engaging in a social media outburst following a controversial Big Bash League (BBL) dismissal.

The 38-year-old, as a CA High-Performance Coach, has been penalised A$3,000 for voicing his disapproval regarding the field dismissal of Brisbane Heat batsman Alex Ross during the BBL clash against Hobart Hurricanes.

Ross became the first batsman to be given out for 'obstructing the field' in a BBL match. It was the first dismissal of its kind across all formats in Australia.

The incident took place when Ross was deemed by the third umpire to change his line into the path of a throw in the 17th over of the Heat's run chase, the BBL official website reported.

Ross, however, later clarified his intentions on Twitter, writing that he did so to avoid being struck by the incoming ball from the deep.

His dismissal caused a stir in the cricket world, with both sides of the debate arguing for and against the umpire's decision on social media.

Harris, who was also involved in the Twitter rant, called the dismissal "an absolutely disgraceful decision by the umpires" and described it 'embarrassing' and `shocking`.

The former Australian pacer accepted the reprimand as well as a suspended fine, which will not be enforced if Harris is not found guilty of another breach in the next two years.

--ANI