Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting was left shaking his head from the commentary box as England’s cricketers employed time-wasting tactics during the fifth ODI in Bristol.
Chasing a 310-run target for victory, Australia plundered 103 runs during the Powerplay to put the tourists well ahead of the DLS par score with the looming threat of rain.
However, the cut-off for an ODI to have a result is 20 overs, otherwise the match would have been called a draw. With Australia on track for a comfortable victory, England was desperate for the rain to intervene before the 21st over to escape with a draw and deny their Ashes rivals a series victory.
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As the clouds grew darker and the wind got heavier, England bowler Matthew Potts attempted to slow down proceedings in the 18th over by removing his left shoe and calling for a replacement.
With 14 deliveries needed to constitute a result, Potts successfully soaked up three minutes of play as a substitute fielder jogged onto the field holding a shoe as the frustrated umpires watched on. Australian batter Marnus Labuschagne and assistant coach Daniel Vettori failed to hide their bemusement, laughing from the sheds.
“Matthew Potts is calling for new boots now and the umpire is looking at him with a degree of displeasure,” commentator Geoff Lemon said on BBC Test Match Special.
“This is nonsense!”
Ponting, who famously captained Australia during the 2009 Ashes Test in Cardiff when England attempted similar time-wasting tactics, watched on in bewilderment from the Sky Sports commentary box.
“We’ve seen this movie before,” Ponting laughed.
“This is getting funnier by the minute.
“We can see that there’s nothing wrong with the boot.”
Fellow Sky Sports commentator Ian Ward jeered: “These things happen, Rick … he’s just after a manicure.”
Ward couldn’t help mentioning the Cardiff incident, where Ponting lost his temper with England’s 12th man and physiotherapist as Australia desperately searched for a decisive wicket on the final day.
“Are you going to give him a spray, just like you did that fella in Cardiff back in the day?” Ward continued.
“You were his hero!”
Ponting replied with a smile: “Not for long.”
Potts’ antics proved futile, with the players squeezing in a further 18 deliveries before the dreaded rain arrived in the 21st over.
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