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

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

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 [ Images ] 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 [ Images ] before tea on the first day of the match.

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

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