Cricket Victoria statement regarding Mick Lewis

Lewis pleaded guilty to a level two offence and accepted a fine equal to 50% of a player’s match fee, as determined by the match referee Steve Bernard.

“Cricket Victoria does not condone any action to gain an unfair advantage in any form, we’re committed to playing fair cricket in the spirit of the game.

“Myself and Cricket Victoria chairman Russell Thomas immediately spoke to Mick and he has apologised unreservedly and understands that this reflects unfairly on the Bushrangers and all of Victorian cricket.

“Mick pleaded guilty to Cricket Australia’s code of behaviour breach and has also accepted a severe reprimand, imposed upon him as a Cricket Victoria employee, and assured us that actions such as this will not happen again.

“Mick also went personally to South Australian coach Jamie Siddons and apologised after the day’s play.

“Victorian coach David Saker was extremely disappointed in Mick’s actions and also that he cost the side five runs in what could be a very close match.

“We believe that Mick will learn a valuable lesson from this and understands this type of behaviour will not be tolerated.”