But a disciplinary committee of the United Cricket Board cleared Upton and fast bowler Fanie de Villiers - now retired - of racist abuse of Asian fans at the game.

A hearing into similar accusations against spin bowler Pat Symcox has been adjourned because he wishes to be legally represented.

The board had to decide whether De Villiers and Upton brought the game into disrepute. They heard evidence from the two players as well as three members of the public.

Ronnie Pilay, a judge who is also chairman of the board disciplinary committee, said the matter had been brought into ``sharp public focus'' because of possible racial undertones.

Pilay said that despite Upton's clean record, his actions were seen in a serious light and did not help the board ``in its quest to establish a good relationship between team and public''.

Half Upton's fine has been suspended for a year and the rest of the money will go into the township development fund. De Villiers and Upton had been sent from the dressing room in an effort to placate spectators who had been upset by words Symcox was alleged to have used while fielding as substitute on the boundary at Kingsmead. Instead, they were caught up in the confrontation.

Zimbabwe today give a cap to a fourth black cricketer, Trevor Madondo, in the first Test against Pakistan in Bulawayo, even though coach Dave Houghton has not seen him play since he was at school.

Madondo is a batsman and medium-fast bowler. Another debutant, Dirk Viljoen, will open, with Madondo down to bat at No 7.