Smith admonishes Starc over throw at Kiwi batsman

New Zeland captain believes the fast bowler was throwing at the stumps and is ready to give him the benefit of doubt

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA: Australian skipper Steve Smith has taken fiery fast bowler Mitchell Starc to task for throwing a ball at New Zealand tailender Mark Craig during the final stages of Australia's huge first Test win at the Gabba on Monday.

Australia had the match well in hand with the Kiwis one wicket away from defeat when Starc impetuously hurled the ball in Craig's direction after the Kiwi had smacked him for three successive fours.

Compounding Starc's frustration was that the thrown ball went for four needless overthrows, which did not amuse his skipper Smith.



"I thought it was pretty disappointing. He's done it a few times and I'm going to have a word with him when I get back down to the sheds," Smith told reporters after the 208-run victory.

"I don't think it was necessary at the time and hopefully he can improve and get better from that.

"I don't think he needs to apologise, I just don't think he needs to do it again in the future.

"There wasn't an opportunity for a run out and I think it was just a bit of frustration. He needs to let it out in other ways."



New Zealand captainBrendon McCullum took the incident four overs from the end in good grace.

"I hope he was trying to aim at the stumps and if that's the case and it slipped out then we'll give him the benefit of the doubt," said McCullum.

"I'm sure we'll find out when we have a beer with them in the changing room.

"The game was played in really good spirits and I'm sure the remaining Tests will be as well."



Left-armer Starc has a fiery reputation and during an Indian Premier League match last year hurled a ball at Kieron Pollard, enraging the West Indian all-rounder who threw his bat back in Starc's direction before the umpires and other players stepped in to restore order.