Hazlewood Fined After Swearing At Umpire

Australia is doing its best to downplay Josh Hazlewood's dissent charge on day four of the final trans-Tasman test in Christchurch.

The Australian quick has pleaded guilty to swearing at an umpire when Black Caps batsman Kane Williamson was given not out by the third umpire.

Hazlewood's been fined 15 percent of his match fee by the ICC, around $2,500.

Teammate Jackson Bird doesn't feel Hazlewood crossed the line and believes the problem lies elsewhere.

"We're all for having technology in the game, and the new technology that comes out every year is great and great for the viewers at home, but don't see what the stump mics need to be broadcasted to the whole world."

However it's then alleged Hazlewood mouthed off at Black Caps allrounder Corey Anderson as the players were walking off for lunch, with the umpires needing to intervene.

Bird said Hazlewood lost his cool in the heat of the moment.

"Test cricket's a hard game, and sometimes tempers can boil over and people can get frustrated.

"I don't think anyone stepped over the line," he said.

Cory Anderson has also been quick to downplay Hazlewood's actions.

"I didn't actually hear anything, I got told he was saying something to me. I'm actually deaf in my left ear so it could have been on my wrong side.

"Whether he said something or not I'm not too concerned, you hear it a little bit every now and again but you end up blocking most of it out."

Australia begin the final day on 70 for 1, needing a further 131 runs to win.

Radio Sport