Ponting annoyed by England actions
Ricky Ponting wants game to be played in right spirit
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Monty Panesar and James Anderson were the unlikely heroes with the bat as England snatched a draw against Australia on the final day at Cardiff. |  |
Monday, 13, Jul 2009 09:31
Australia captain Ricky Ponting has lashed out at England for their behaviour towards the end of the first Ashes Test at Cardiff.
Last wicket pair James Anderson and Monty Panesar needed to bat 11.3 overs in order to save the match with Australia needing one wicket for victory. With the pair edging towards saving their side, England twice sent on 12th man Bilal Shafayat to give gloves to Anderson and also sent on the physio.
Ponting was visibilly upset on the field of play and later criticised England for their time wasting tactic.
"I don't think that was required," said Ponting. "I am not sure what the physio was doing out there - I didn't see him call for any physio.
"He (Anderson) had changed his gloves the over before and his glove is not going to be too sweaty in one over.
"They can play whatever way they want to play. We have come to play by the rules and the spirit of the game and it is up to them to do what they want to do. I'm sure others will take it up with the England hierarchy as they should."
England skipper Andrew Strauss hit back by insisting "our intentions were good so we weren't deliberately trying to waste a huge amount of time".