Ashes 2013: Radio station offers to pay fine on behalf of Australia coach Darren Lehmann following Stuart Broad rant

The Australia coach accused the England bowler of 'blatant cheating'

Darren Lehmann reacts to Australia's collapse (Getty Images)

The radio station on which Australia coach Darren Lehmann launched a stinging attack against England's Stuart Broad has offered to pay his £2,000 fine.

In a colourful discussion with the Triple M station this week, Lehmann took aim at Broad, who refused to walk after a clear edge when batting in the first Investec Ashes Test at Trent Bridge.

Lehmann accused Broad of "blatant cheating" and also called on the Australian public to "get stuck into" Broad when England tour this winter, adding that he hoped the seamer "cries and goes home".

The controversial comments have cost him 20 per cent of his match fee for the fifth Ashes Test after the International Cricket Council decided Lehmann should be disciplined.

But if he accepts Triple M's offer, Lehmann will not be left out of pocket.

In a statement on its website, Triple M said: "Aussie cricket coach Darren 'Boof' Lehmann has been fined after labelling English cricketer Stuart Broad a cheat on Triple M.

"Triple M can't let Boof take all the blame for something that happened on our station. He's a mate and a great bloke and we'll be coughing up the match fine on his behalf."

While the broadcaster is supporting Lehmann, former Australia captain Ian Chappell believes the coach was out of order.

The 69-year-old told BBC Radio 5 Live: "I don't like to be called a cheat and basically he's calling all people who don't walk a cheat, which would include himself.

"'Cheat' is not a word you should use very light-heartedly, and even if you are being light-hearted that's a word you should steer away from.

"And even when you've got your tongue in your cheek it's pretty hypocritical for an Australian to complain about somebody not walking."

England were not moved to report the incident to the ICC, but the world governing body's chief executive Dave Richardson laid a charge himself and Lehmann pleaded guilty to "publicly criticising and making inappropriate comments" about Broad, falling foul of article 2.1.7 in the ICC's code of conduct.

He accepted match referee Roshan Mahanama's proposal of a 20 per cent fine - around £2,000 - meaning no formal hearing was necessary.

In announcing the punishment for Lehmann on Thursday, Richardson said: "Whilst noting the context and nature of the comments made, showing mutual respect for one's fellow professionals - including for coaches, players and match officials - is a cornerstone of how we play the game."

Lehmann can perhaps consider himself fortunate not to have been hit with a heftier sanction.

Level one offences can also lead to official ICC reprimands, while the fine can go as high as 50 per cent of the applicable match fee.

Had he been charged with a level two offence, defined simply as being a "serious" criticism or inappropriate comments, the maximum penalty would have been suspension from a Test match.

PA