Ponting fined 5400 dollars for ‘unacceptable’ argument with umpires in MCG Test

MELBOURNE - Australian captain Ricky Ponting has been fined 40 per cent of his match fee for his furious argument with on-field umpires Aleem Dar and Tony Hill during today’s play of the Boxing Day Ashes Test against England.

Ponting was charged with a Level One offence under article 2.1.3 (h) of the International Cricket Council (ICC)’s code of conduct, which relates to arguing or entering into a prolonged discussion with the umpire about his decision.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, the 36-year-old pleaded guilty to the charge after which he was fined 5400 dollars.

The incident had happened after Australia appealed for a caught-behind against England batsman Kevin Pietersen, when he was on 49.

Australian wicketkeeper Brad Haddin had convinced Ponting to call for a video review of the appeal, but the referral was unsuccessful.

A furious Ponting then demanded to know from Dar and Hill, why it was not out.

Ponting also had an angry exchange with Pietersen. (ANI)