Australia fined for slow over-rate

Australia have been fined for their slow over-rate in the fourth Test in Nagpur where they finished 2-0 series losers against India.

Despite captain Ricky Ponting’s controversial efforts to improve the over-rate, Australia still finished two short of their target in the 172-run defeat.

Ponting was fined 20 per cent of his match fee, and his team-mates were issued with 10 per cent fines - in accordance with International Cricket Council disciplinary procedures.

The 33-year-old turned to part-time bowlers Cameron White and Michael Hussey immediately after tea yesterday, rather than his front-line attack, to speed up Australia’s over-rate.

Had this finished more than five overs behind the required rate, Ponting would have faced an automatic one-Test ban.