Steve Waugh charged with dissent

Australia cricket captain Steve Waugh was charged with dissent after initially refusing to leave the field when given out in the second Test against South Africa on Friday.

If Waugh is found guilty, he faces a fine of up to 75 per cent of his match fee or, at worst, a three-match ban.

Sri Lankan referee Ranjan Madugalle, the International Cricket Council's top match official, will announce his decision on Saturday.

After Australia went to stumps at 487 runs for 9 wickets, an overall lead of 210, Waugh faced a hearing which was also attended by the two umpires and Australian manager Steve Bernard.

Waugh was run out on 90 by a direct hit from Herschelle Gibbs.

Waugh, face down after unsuccessfully diving to make his ground, didn't see umpire Darrell Hair's upraised finger indicating his dismissal and waited while looking at the giant screen for the replay.

As Hair came to replace the bails, he again indicated to Waugh he was out.

The Australian captain still stood his ground and Australian television's stump microphone picked up Waugh asking Hair: "Are you sure?"

The ICC code of conduct states: "Players and/or team officials must at all times accept the umpire's decision and not show dissent at the umpire's decision."

Replays show South Africa wicketkeeper Mark Boucher may have knocked a bail before Gibbs's direct hit.

Match report: Australia pile on the agony

Mail Cricket Editor