'Respect is fundamental to the spirit of cricket'

Cricket Australia boss Nick Hockley has declared respect is "fundamental to the spirit of cricket" following Tom Curran's ugly incident with a BBL umpire.

The Sydney Sixers' international import was whacked with a four-game suspension for intimidating an umpire during warm-ups for his side's clash with the Hobart Hurricanes in Launceston last week.

Speaking to media on Friday, Hockley said he had seen the footage, but refused to comment directly.

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"Obviously there's a process in place and that matter is being heard by the code of conduct commission," he said.

"I've seen the footage and I won't comment on the actual charge of the process. My feeling is that players really need to respect the umpires and match referees.

"My overarching message to everybody – not just at the elite level, but at the community level – respect is fundamental to the spirit of cricket.

"Players are role models in society and it's really important they show respect."

Footage showed the umpire was forced to sidestep the 28-year-old English quick, who was attempting a bowling run-through on the pitch ahead of the match.

Having performed one down the other end, the umpire directed Curran to perform his next one on the strip immediately next to the prepared surface.

Former Australian Test gun Brad Hodge declared the incident "as bad as it gets" in terms of umpire intimidation, while social media also criticised Curran's actions.

One person who initially played devil's advocate however was Lisa Sthalekar, claiming Curran may not have heard the umpire's directions – but the retired Australian spinner denied the chance to clarify her comments on Friday.

"We were able to get the exclusive footage and my point of view was to create debate," she said.

"It's up to Cricket Australia and the process for what they want to do and how they want to sanction Tom Curran.

"The vision is out there for people to make their opinion."

Curran and the club will appeal the sanction from the BBL in a bid to clear the English star and potentially reduce his ban.