Australian fast bowler Brett Lee has been officially reprimanded for dissent after clashing with umpire Aleem Dar during the third Test against South Africa.

Lee had a heated discussion with the Pakistan umpire after an lbw appeal of his against Jacques Kallis was turned down in the 27th over of Monday's first day's play at the SCG.

At the end of that over, Lee followed Dar to further discuss the decision.

ICC Match Referee Chris Broad heard the charge on Tuesday night after the second day's play and handed down an official reprimand, a Cricket Australia spokesman said.

Lee was on Tuesday reported by ICC field umpires Dar, Billy Bowden and third umpire Bob Parry for a Level 1 offence 1.3, Cricket Australia said in a statement.

Lee was charged with "showing dissent at an umpire's decision by action or verbal abuse".

Lee walked towards Dar at the end of the over demanding: "Why is it not out, I'm asking for a reason?".

Dar replied: "Please, it's not out, not out, that's all."

The fiery Lee was then led away by vice-captain Adam Gilchrist.

The score at the time was 2-81 with Kallis on four. Kallis was unbeaten on 80 at stumps on Monday night with South Africa 3-230.

Kallis went to make 111 on Tuesday in a record-breaking double-century stand for the fourth wicket with Ashwell Prince (119) in South Africa's 9-451 declared before Australia replied with 3-54.

Australian coach John Buchanan denied Australia's grumpy behaviour in the field on Tuesday, with Glenn McGrath and skipper Ricky Ponting appearing to have angry exchanges with the umpires, was linked to its frustration at a lack of bowling success.

"In a game like this ... there's a series-levelling or a two-nil on the line, we're trying as hard as we can to get our noses in front," Buchanan said.

Buchanan said he hadn't asked Ponting what the discussion was about.

"I haven't seen any need to ask him, and around the dressing room I haven't heard anything untoward," Buchanan said.

"So I can only assume from that he was just asking for clarification over certain points."

Kallis said he hadn't seen anything unusual in the Australians' attitude in the field.

"Both sides are playing the game as hard as they can," he said.

"When things don't go your way you do get a little frustrated. But it was nothing out of the ordinary," Kallis added.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP