Styris and McCullum cleared of misconduct

Scott Styris and Brendon McCullum were found not guilty of breaching the ICC's code of conduct by Mike Procter, the match referee, during disciplinary hearings in Brisbane today. Incidents during the 17-run loss to Australia at Sydney on Wednesday night had led to the hearing.

Both of the New Zealanders received poor decisions during a difficult match for the tourists, which began badly when Chris Harris tore a rotator cuff while fielding. McCullum was cleared of showing dissent after he was given out lbw for 21 by Peter Parker. With New Zealand needing 96 to seal the series, and only three wickets in hand, McCullum got an edge so thick to a Brad Hogg delivery that Adam Gilchrist tried to catch it.

Styris hit a gate after being given out lbw for 5. Andrew Symonds, bowling medium pace, rapped Styris on the pads to have New Zealand 3 for 68, but he too appeared to get an inside edge. He was also found not guilty.

Styris was fined 25% of his match fee only a month ago, when he showed dissent after an lbw decision went against him in Bangladesh.