Ponting defends tactics

Ricky Ponting deep in discussion with umpire Billy Bowden on the fourth day of the Nagpur Test

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Australia captain Ricky Ponting admits he is disappointed at the criticism directed at him following his decision not to use his premier bowlers on day four of the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar series.

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

Ponting was fined 20% of his match fee, and his team-mates were issued with 10% fines - in accordance with ICC disciplinary procedures.

"To tell you the truth I'm a little bit disappointed with some of the criticism, particularly from former Australia captains and Cricket Australia board members," Ponting said.

"I had Jason Krejza bowling at one end, who ended up taking 12 wickets in the game, and White operating from the other end for a couple of overs.

"He had been the number one-picked spinner in the first three Test matches.

"That didn't work out the way I would have liked and Michael Clarke was the next choice. But he had been off the field, ill, and couldn't bowl for sometime.

"We were nine overs down at that stage."

Ponting turned to Cameron White and Mike Hussey at the start of yesterday's third session in what has been suggested was an attempt to catch up on slow over rates.

India had crashed to 166 for six at that stage in their second innings and were leading by 252 runs overall.

Many had expected Ponting to stick with front-line quicks Mitchell Johnson and Brett Lee, but Ponting's change of tactics instead let India off the hook.

Ponting would have been banned for a game if his team were more than five overs behind the over rate at the end of the day, and former Australia captains Allan Border and Ian Chappell have suggested Ponting put himself ahead of the team.

Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland has also demanded an explanation from Ponting over his tactics but the skipper has defended his decisions.

Ponting also admitted he was hurt by suggestions he had put himself ahead of the team.

"The thing I'm most disappointed about is there seems to be this inference out there that I've put myself totally ahead of the team," he said.

"Anybody that knows me, or knows the way I play my cricket or operate around the Australian team, or any team, would hopefully not say that's the case.

"I'd like to think as far as team players go, there haven't been many more that have ever played for Australia that would do more than I have for the team."