London: Young Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Aamer has been warned by match referee not to make physical contact with batsman while celebrating his wicket during the first Test against Australia here.
Chris Broad from the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees has spoken to 18-year-old Aamer in relation to his conduct following the dismissal of Australia captain Ricky Ponting on the first day of the first Test at Lord's here.
Pakistan coach Waqar Younis was also present when Broad told Aamer at the end of the first day's play not to repeat his conduct in future.
In the 17th over of the match, Ponting was out, caught at short-leg, to a delivery from Aamer. While celebrating the wicket, Aamer crossed paths with the batsman and contact was made.
While the umpires did not feel it warranted any formal action under the ICC Code of Conduct, they spoke to the Pakistan captain at the time of the incident as this was the second time in two matches that Aamer had made physical contact with a batsman after taking his wicket.
"Aamer is a young, exciting, talented player full of enthusiasm for this great sport and that is to be celebrated and nurtured," Broad said in an ICC statement.
"But there are a few things he still has to learn in relation to how to conduct himself on the field of play. I told him that when he takes a wicket, he should celebrate with his team-mates rather than getting himself into the personal space of the outgoing batsman. It's a spirit of cricket issue.
"It has happened twice now so we as a playing control team thought it would be sensible for me to have a word with him. He accepted it graciously and undertook to avoid a repeat occurrence. As far as we are concerned the issue is now closed," Broad said.
Aamer took four for 72 in Australia's first innings 253 all out.
