Bad Loser?

[Hitesh]

Ponting continues to rail against England's use of substitutes

Cricinfo staff

August 29, 2005

Less than 36 hours after being fined 75% of his match fee for his outburst following his dismissal in Australia's second innings, Ricky Ponting refuses to let the subject of substitute fielders lie down.

Speaking on a Melbourne radio station, Ponting was in no mood for diplomacy. "I think it is an absolute disgrace the spirit of the game is being treated like that," he said. "[Duncan] Fletcher has known right the way through the summer this is something we haven't been happy with, but it's continued. He knows it's something that has got under our skins and I've had enough of it, and I let him know that, and most of his players too.

"Being here in England they've obviously got the resources to just draft in the best fieldsmen that they possibly can at the time. The way they've been doing it is just before their bowlers are about to bowl they'll send them off for a short amount of time to have a bit of a loosen-up and a massage and that sort of stuff, and come back on and bowl. As soon as they've finished their spell they'll do exactly the same thing. It's within the rules of the game but it's just not within the spirit of the game, which is what we're all trying to uphold."

Ponting was fined 75% of his match fee for his outburst at Trent Bridge, but many consider that he got away quite lightly for a prolonged tirade which included a broadside aim at Fletcher within earshot of spectators.

And Glenn McGrath, who had to sit out the match with an elbow injury, backed his captain. "The only time you should go off during a Test match is obviously if you need to go off for an injury or pop off for a quick toilet break. That's it. Test cricket to us is played by the guys who are in the team. If you are not fit enough or you are looking at ways to keep your players fresh, I think that's not quite in the spirit of the game. As a player myself, I'd keep playing. You would have to drag me off the field."

This is not the first time that the use of substitutes has raised the hackles during an Ashes series. In 1981, Dennis Lillee took to leaving the field after completing his bowling spells to have a shower and change his shirt, leading to complaints from Mike Brearley, England's captain, and a subsequent change to the laws. The end result this time might be similar.

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[Libertine]

Dick.

[john_lcfc]

thats so funny..

ricky ponting :w00t:

[Libertine]

[marko]

The guy is such a cock. Better luck next time Ricky

[rossporterlc]

aussie cricket r.i.p

[davieG]

Didn't Dennis Lillee go off after each bowling session for a shower and change of kit?

And we all believe that when we play in Australia they don't pick the best available subs - no of course they don't - Aussie Whingers :sleeping: :sleeping: :sleeping:

[Durnerz]

TAKE THAT YOU CONVICT!

[toonboy]

I think he's made his point by now but he has a point. Although England aren't breaking any rules, so nothing can be done, it isn't really in the spirit of the game and is taking the piss a bit if the bowlers are going off every 5 minutes for a rest.

[The People's Hero]

Don't want to pi ss on anyone's bonfire because England have outplayed the Aussies for the majority of this series. As a long time fan of cricket, I've waited for these days for most of my life. To see England lift the Ashes is something of a dream for me! Anyway... as I said, I don't wanna rain on the parade but Ponting is making a good point here.

Expect a law change soon.

[rossporterlc]

apparently Ponting may be banned from the 5th test

[Hitesh]

apparently Ponting may be banned from the 5th test

GOOD! They also need to put sellotape round his mouth to shut him up!

[rossporterlc]

GOOD! They also need to put sellotape round his mouth to shut him up!

McGrath and Kasprowitz (sp?) also been mouthing off

Kasprowitz made some comment about "f**king pommes" apparently because of his lbw haha

[Benji]

ar well