Adam Gilchrist has been reported for showing dissent in Sunday's five-wicket loss to South Africa at the Gabba. Gilchrist, who will be rested by the selectors for the next week, will face a hearing on January 25 in Adelaide after being charged with a level one offence for his reaction to Aleem Dar's refusal to consult Daryl Harper, the third official, after an Andrew Symonds direct hit.
Boeta Dippenaar, who was 47 on the way to a crucial 74, did not slide his bat when taking a single from the fourth ball of the 26th over and replays showed both his feet in the air when the ball struck the stumps. Gilchrist walked over to Dar and the pair had an animated discussion. Dar, Harper and Simon Taufel reported Gilchrist for "showing dissent at an umpire's decision by action or verbal abuse".
Brett Lee and Glenn McGrath have already been reprimanded for bad behaviour this year and the Australians were also punished financially for being one over short of the required rate in the second innings on Sunday night. Gilchrist faces a similar punishment to his fast-bowling team-mates or a fine of up to 50% of his match fee if found guilty.
Brad Haddin, the New South Wales wicketkeeper, will replace Gilchrist for the next two VB Series matches as Australia manage the workloads of their key players. Gilchrist was denied a break for the Chappell-Hadlee Series in December, but his batting has looked tired this summer and he missed the Twenty20 international against South Africa in Brisbane last week before returning to the side for the first two ODIs.
Gilchrist, 34, has struggled for his usual run-making impact, scoring only 285 runs in the seven home Tests and 204 in his eight limited-overs games, including a first-ball duck against South Africa on Sunday. There have been no worries over his wicketkeeping, but Trevor Hohns, the chairman of selectors, said the panel would continue to monitor his playing commitments.
"We're very mindful of the heavy workload that Adam has and this rest period has been programmed into his schedule since before the VB series," he said. "We've done this in the past and we find it gives players a well earned opportunity to freshen up."
Australia will hope Gilchrist's time with his family is useful and he is due to return for the game against Sri Lanka in Adelaide - his first ODI in the state since 2002-03 - on January 26. Haddin has stepped in for Gilchrist over the past five years and made 11 appearances. "Brad has performed well for Australia previously," Hohns said, "and we have every confidence he'll go well this time around."