Cricket: Pocock's conduct case dismissed

By TERRY MADDAFORD

TAUPO - Auckland captain and opening batsman Blair Pocock escaped punishment after facing a code of conduct hearing following his team's Shell Trophy drubbing by Northern Districts at Owen Delany Park on Saturday.

A complaint was lodged by umpires Robert Anderson and Graham Stewart after Pocock reacted angrily on leaving the ground when he was given out lbw for 28 in Auckland's second innings.

A hearing was called and Pocock appeared before the code of conduct commissioner, Taupo lawyer Alan Vale.

But the case was dismissed because the umpires presented their case incorrectly and did not offer sufficient evidence.

While reluctant to comment on the incident, Auckland coach Tony Sail said he was never happy when any player was cited but pointed out that Pocock had not reacted on the field.

"It will be spoken about at the appropriate time," said Sail.

"Overall, we dropped our standards below what we have been achieving all season."