Monday, January 7, 2008

Ponting admits umpires marred Sydney Test

Australia skipper Ricky Ponting admitted umpiring blunders marred the second Test against India but hoped the match would be remembered for all the right reasons.

"I think it's fair to say that there were a few mistakes made but I am not going comment anything more as it might get me in trouble," the jubilant Australian skipper said after his team's record-equalling 16th straight Test win here.

"I hope this match is remembered for the cricket that was played. Yes, there were a few controversies by the side but the match itself was played in the right spirit and I hope it continues," he added.

Though laid low by a series of dubious decisions, India almost snatched a draw before part-time spinner Michael Clarke conjured up three wickets in five balls to guide the hosts to a thrilling 122-run triumph.

Ponting was at the centre of the contentious dismissal of Sourav Ganguly when umpire Mark Benson sought his word on whether the left-hander's catch had carried to Clarke at slips before ruling the batsman out.

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