Search:



The Web

Rediff










Home > Cricket > ICC Champions Trophy 2004 > Reuters > Report

Ponting fires double jibe at ICC

September 14, 2004 10:05 IST

Australia captain Ricky Ponting offered some veiled criticism of the International Cricket Council on Monday after his side's annihilation of the United States in their Champions Trophy clash at Southampton.

Australia dismissed the U.S. for just 65 and then achieved their target for the loss of Matthew Hayden in 7.5 overs, ensuring they bettered New Zealand's run rate so they would progress to the semi-finals if their Group A clash on Thursday is washed out.

Also Read


Australia humble US

Run-rate was important: Ponting

Images: Australia vs USA


"It was a pretty easy workout for us," Ponting said after the win, having previously said emerging sides like the U.S. gain nothing from being thrashed by the established teams.

The scheduling of the tournament in the English autumn also perplexed Ponting.

"It is not a great time of year to be playing cricket in England ... we are not sure what is going to happen with the weather so that (run rate) was an important factor," he added of the approach adopted by openers Adam Gilchrist and Hayden in trying to achieve the target as quickly as possible.

American captain Richard Staple was upbeat despite his team's hammering, disagreeing with Ponting about whether games between heavyweights and huge underdogs are worthwhile.

"Even though the losses were heavy the experience is very good for us," he said. "We understand that if we have to improve as a team we have to learn from these guys.

"These games are televised (in the U.S.) and the exposure we get from this tournament will hopefully enhance the development of the game."

 



Article Tools
Email this article
Top emailed links
Print this article
Write us a letter
Discuss this article




People Who Read This Also Read


Pak, SL eye run rates

Pathan, Ganguly 'ambushed'

Changes not good for India







© Copyright 2004 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.


ICC Champions Trophy 2004: The Complete Coverage










Copyright © 2004 rediff.com India Limited. All Rights Reserved.