Papps fined for dissent in Auckland

Michael Papps, the New Zealand batsman who has played eight Tests, has been fined half his match fee after being found guilty of dissent during Canterbury's State Championship match on Monday. Playing against Auckland at Eden Park Outer Oval, Papps was judged caught behind for 0 and was reported when he "remained at the crease for what the umpires felt was an unacceptable amount of time".

Andrew Gilchrist, the Auckland Association commissioner, delivered the guilty verdict after a hearing on Monday night, which was attended by the umpires Dennis Smith and Phil Jones along with Papps and David Nosworthy, the Canterbury coach. "In my judgment it would be unfair and harsh on Papps to be suspended for a four-day match for what must be considered a breach at the lowest end of the scale," Gilchrist said.

"Thus taking into account all possible mitigating factors, I do however believe that more than a written censure is required. I am of the view that the appropriate penalty is the loss of half of his match fee." Papps was given 48 hours to appeal.