Australian fast bowler Brett Lee escaped with an official reprimand after being found guilty of dissent during the third and final Test against South Africa on Tuesday.

Lee was found guilty of showing dissent at an umpire's decision by action or verbal abuse by ICC Match Referee Chris Broad in a hearing after play concluded on the second day in Sydney.

Lee was found to have breached Level 1.3 of the ICC Code, which relates to showing dissent at an umpire's decision by action or verbal abuse.

Earlier report

All Level 1 breaches carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand and a maximum penalty of a fifty per cent fine of a player's match fee.

The charge was brought by on-field umpires Aleem Dar and Billy Bowden and third umpire Bob Parry.

Chris Broad reached his conclusion after a hearing attended by all three umpires, Australian team manager Steve Bernard, captain Ricky Ponting and Lee.

For Level 1 breaches of the ICC Code of Conduct the ICC Match Referee's decision is final and binding.

Lee had had a heated discussion with the umpires after they turned down an lbw appeal against South African batsman Jacques Kallis before tea on the first day of the match.

Kallis went on to make 111 in a 219 fourth-wicket partnership with Ashwell Prince to help South Africa post a formidable first innings total of 451-9 declared.

Australia were 54-3 in reply at close of play on day two when Lee appeared at the hearing.