Ponting censured for TV damage

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Australia captain Ricky Ponting has been reprimanded by the International Cricket Council for damaging a television following his dismissal against Zimbabwe.

He was superbly run out for 28 by Chris Mpofu's direct hit from deep midwicket during the early stages of Australia's 91-run victory in Ahmedabad on Monday.

Ponting was charged with a level one breach of the ICC Code of Conduct under clause 2.1.2, which covers “abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment or fixtures and fittings during an international match”.

He accepted the charge and the sanction issued by match referee Roshan Mahanama, negating the need for a formal hearing.

The ICC settled for the low-level charge and minimum sanction - level one offences can carry punishments up to a fine of 50% of the player’s match fee - after accepting that the damage was accidental.

Their statement noted that “the damage occurred when he threw down a piece of equipment which bounced off his kit bag and hit the corner of the television” in the Australia dressing room.

Mahanama added: “Ricky knows that his action was in breach of the code, involving a brief moment of frustration.

“That said, it was clear that the damage he caused was purely accidental and without malice, he apologised shortly after the incident at the ground and immediately agreed to pay for the damage.”

Ponting denied deliberately damaging the television.

“I am not sure from where those stories have come from. I have accepted the ICC reprimanding me for the incident that happened the other night,” he said.

“Just to clarify that the television was not hit by me or my cricket bat at all, it was hit by my gloves/box while I tried to put in into my cricket kit. There was a small damage to the TV and it was reported to the team manager straight away.”

Ricky Ponting departs after being run out, beaten by Chris Mpofu's direct hit from deep midwicket