Ricky Ponting

Ricky Ponting has never been a very calm minded captain. But the incident that took place recently when Australia played against Zimbabwe was ridiculous to say the least.

After getting run out in the match with Zimbabwe apparently Ricky Ponting came back in anger and damaged the LCD television in the team dressing room. This behaviour is not only appalling but also asinine especially from a cricketer who is supposedly leading a world class side.

If Sreesanth can be reprimanded for his mindless behaviour then even Ricky Ponting deserves the similar treatment, infact he should be penalized even more considering how much his actions affect the values of cricket.

Ponting got flack from almost every ex-cricketer to cricket commentators for his immature behaviour.

Following this controversy 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”.

Ponting accepted the charges, but says that the damage was accidental as the damaging happened when he threw down his bat which then bounced off his kit bag and hit the corner of the television.

Even with this there are still enough people out there who continue to make excuses for Ponting and his antics including the match referee

Roshan Mahanama who later said “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.”

It is because of this attitude from authoritative figures which has lead to cricketers like Ponting carry on with his theatrics.

Ricky Ponting is very close to losing his captaincy, everything depends on the outcome of the world cup, the match against Zimbabwe where he was run out must have been a deadly blow for him as he probably assumed he would be able to perform his best but unfortunately for him couldn’t, which is probably why he let out his frustrations on the TV. This world cup will hopefully be the final nail in the coffin with his captaincy.

One might also remember the larking about done by the Aussies during the Commonwealth Games where electronics were damaged on the final day of the games, talk about spoilsports.

Let’s just do everyone a favour and make sure there are no breakable items in his dressing room, especially a washing machine.

Tags: Australia, Captain, Cricket, Dressing Room, ICC Cricket World Cup 2011, LCD TV, Ricky Ponting, Run Out, World Cup, Zimbabwe