Steve Smith could be suspended if he commits another over-rate offence in the next 12 months

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

Australia captain Steve Smith has been fined 40 percent of his match fee for committing an over-rate offence during his side’s loss to England in the third ODI in Sydney on Sunday.

While Smith has been fined nearly half his match fee, the other 10 players that took part in yesterday’s match will each be docked 20 percent of their match fees.

The sanction was imposed after Australia were found to be two overs short of their target after time considerations had been taken into account.

With Smith accepting the charge and fine imposed by match referee Ranjan Madugalle, there will be no need for a formal hearing.

Should Smith be found guilty of another over-rate offence within the next 12 months, he could face a suspension.

Australia lost the third ODI by 16 runs, which handed England an unassailable 3-0 series lead.