Result of the post-match hearing conducted by ICC match referee Hanumant Singh on 6 February 2002

Following the first final of the VB Series between New Zealand and South Africa at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on 6 February, a hearing took place concerning the aftermath of an appeal for caught behind by New Zealand's Chris Cairns against South African batsman Boeta Dippenaar.

Chris Cairns was seen mouthing at the batsman in his extended follow-through, and as a result was charged under clause C4 of the Players and Team Officials Code, namely: "Players and/or Team Officials shall not verbally abuse, assault, intimidate or attempt to assault or intimidate any umpire, spectator, Referee, Player or Team Official. Nor shall any player and/or team official engage in any conduct towards or speak to any other player, umpire, spectator, referee or team official in a manner which offends, insults, humiliates, intimidates, threatens, disparages or vilifies the other person on the basis of that other person's race, religion, colour, descent or national or ethnic origin."

New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming was also charged, under clause C1 of the Players and Team Officials Code, namely: "The captains are responsible at all times for ensuring that play is conducted within the spirit of the game as well as within the Laws of Cricket."

The hearing was attended by the ICC match referee Hanumant Singh, on-field umpires Daryl Harper and Simon Taufel, New Zealand team manager Jeff Crowe, Stephen Fleming, Chris Cairns, South African team manager Goolam Rajah and the batsman concerned, Boeta Dippenaar.

After hearing the explanations of Chris Cairns and Boeta Dippenaar, it was found there was no foul language used or intimidation intended. The umpires also confirmed they heard nothing untoward.

The match referee stressed the need for players to be careful in their body language as they have responsibilities towards the game as its real guardians.

No action has been taken against any players in this matter.