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Ponting and Katich fined for outbursts
Cricinfo staff
August 29, 2005
Ricky Ponting states his case to Aleem Dar © Getty Images
Ricky Ponting was fined 75% of his A$12,500 match fee and Simon Katich was docked half following ugly outbursts during Australia's second innings at Trent Bridge. The pair attended a hearing last night after the narrow three-wicket loss that gave England a 2-1 series lead.
Ponting was in trouble after reacting angrily after being run out on Saturday by the substitute Gary Pratt's direct hit for 48. Katich, who made 59, was fined for dissent for his behaviour following an lbw decision given by Aleem Dar.
Ranjan Madugalle, the match referee, found Ponting guilty of breaching rule C2 of the ICC code of conduct which states that "players and/or officials shall at no time engage in conduct unbecoming to their status which could bring them or the game of cricket into disrepute". Katich was charged under rule 2.2, which covers serious dissent at an umpire's decision by action or verbal abuse.
Throughout the series Australia have been concerned by England's use of substitute fielders, which they believe are a way of giving the home side's quick bowlers a rest. Pratt was replacing the fast bowler Simon Jones, who was off the field with a right ankle injury.
As he waited for the third umpire's decision on Saturday, Ponting sounded off and also talked to Dar. Then when he walked up the pavilion steps Ponting appeared to let fly with some angry words in the direction of the England dressing room.
Ponting released a statement apologising for his behaviour. "I was disappointed with my dismissal given that it was a crucial stage of the game and I'd worked hard to get to that position," Ponting said. "I let myself down with my reaction and for that I apologise to those who see me as a role model. My frustration at getting out was compounded by the fact that I was run out by a substitute fielder, an issue that has concerned us from the start of this series and one we raised before the series."
Substitutes are generally only allowed if players are ill or injured. However, according to the Laws of Cricket, it is the umpires who have the responsibility for letting substitutes take the field and the opposing captain has no right of appeal.
Replays of Katich's dismissal showed Steve Harmison's delivery had pitched outside the left-hander's leg-stump and that the ball would have also gone over the top.
© Cricinfo
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just in friendly nature. That's something I've enjoyed about the whole series, these guys are good mates off the field, and are competing closer on it. Can't ask for much more than we've had, even if we were losing these matches instead of winning, i'd still be enthralled by it all
