Ponting could face charges after referral row

Australian skipper Ricky Ponting faced the possibility of disciplinary charges after clashing heatedly with the match umpires over an unsuccessful video review at the fourth Ashes Test Monday.

With his team struggling on the field against England, Ponting argued with Aleem Dar for some time and then spoke with the other umpire Tony Hill after Kevin Pietersen was adjudged not to have edged the ball for a caught behind.

The umpires were reviewing the incident and team officials said it could become a disciplinary matter for the International Cricket Council.

"We haven't been advised by the ICC of any charges from today's play," an Australia team spokesman said after the day's play at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

"We do know the umpires are still reviewing play from today and they also told us that any information regarding a charge or the result of that charge will come from the Dubai office of the ICC."

Cricket Australia chief James Sutherland was reluctant to pass judgement on Ponting's on-field behaviour, which drew a disapproving slow-handclap from sections of the crowd.

"At this stage, I wouldn't be saying whether it's good for the game, let's see what the actual substance was," he said.

"The match referee is effectively the tribunal, if you like. If there is a report, he's the one who hears the report and makes a judgement on it."

Pietersen was on 49 when wicketkeeper Brad Haddin persuaded Ponting to go for a review.

But "hot spot" replays showed no edge and Pietersen stayed, much to the annoyance of Ponting, who argued with both umpires and had sharp words with Pietersen about the decision, believing he had made contact with the ball.

England century-maker Jonathan Trott, who was at the non-striker's end as Ponting lost his cool, was non-committal when questioned at his press conference.

Australian fast bowler Peter Siddle weighed in as Ponting clashed with Dar, wagging a finger at the Pakistani match official.

It was the first of two reviews to go against Australia before tea on the second day of the fourth Test at the MCG, with Dar calling on the third umpire to rule that Matt Prior was not out.

Pietersen had played and missed at a Ryan Harris delivery, with the ball going between bat and pad.

Wicketkeeper Haddin appeared to be the only Australian player who appealed for the "catch" and persuaded Ponting to call for the review.

Replays of the "hot spot" technology showed a bright mark at the bottom of Pietersen's bat, but not near where the ball had passed his bat.

However, Pietersen only made two more runs before Siddle trapped him lbw.

Ponting voiced his frustration during the first Brisbane Test when England opener Alastair Cook refused to walk after the Australian skipper took what he claimed was a fair catch low to the ground.

Ponting said the referral of disputed catches to inadequate technology was a "blight on the game".

Ponting's "catch", when Cook was on 209, was referred to the third umpire but television replays were inconclusive and the English opener went on to make an unbeaten 235.

In another technology intervention in the last over before Monday's tea break, Prior had made five and was starting to walk from the crease after he nicked Mitchell Johnson to the slips.

But Dar called Prior back and the uncertain umpire called for a video review, which showed Johnson had over-stepped for a no-ball.

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