23 Feb 2011

Ponting facing charge after TV allegedly damaged

9:39 pm on 23 February 2011

Australian cricket captain Ricky Ponting is facing a charge for allegedly damaging a television set in the dressing room after he was dismissed during his side's World Cup victory over Zimbabwe.

The International Cricket Council says it has received a report on the incident from the Indian Board, following Monday's match in Ahmedabad.

Reuters reports that the ICC expects to make a decision on Wednesday about possible charges.

The local cricket association says Ponting damaged the television following his run out for 28 in the 91-run victory over Zimbabwe after returning to the dressing room.

"Ponting did throw his gloves at the television. You can't see any damage from outside but when you switch it on, there is no picture on most of the screen. We had to replace the television set," said Gujarat Cricket Association secretary Rajesh Patel.

Ponting was criticised in the India media for the episode but the Australian team spokesperson Lachy Patterson said it had been overblown.

"Ricky threw his box (groin protector) into his bag and it flew up into a TV set. It wasn't smashed. There was a small blackout on one corner of the screen. It was still working when it was replaced."