'Seen This Movie Before': Ricky Ponting's Open Dig at England's Time-wasting Antics Against Australia in Series Decider - WATCH

Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting took a dig at England for allegedly wasting time to force a draw in the fifth ODI on September 29. The Aussies, however, ended up winning the rain-affected series decider by 49 runs (as per DLS) in Bristol. As per the rules, each team must bat at least 20 overs to have a result in ODIs. The rain caused no interference in the first innings and England were bowled out for 302. Australia were way ahead of the DLS par score in the 18th over when Matthew Potts was seen taking off his shoes and asking for a replacement.

The 12th man who was bringing the new pair appeared to be in no hurry and his leisurely jogging irked the on-field umpires. Australia batter Marnus Labuschagne and assistant coach Daniel Vettori were left in splits after seeing England’s time-wasting tactics.

Commentator Geoff Lemon criticised the event while speaking on BBC Test Match Special. “Matthew Potts is calling for new boots now and the umpire is looking at him with a degree of displeasure. This is nonsense,” Lemon said, as quoted by Hindustan Times.

Meanwhile, Ricky Ponting who was commentating on Sky Sports seemed to have had a deja vu. Matthew Potts’ time-wasting tricks reminded the ex-Australian batter of a scene from the 2009 Ashes.

“We’ve seen this movie before. This is getting funnier by the minute. We can see that there’s nothing wrong with the boot,” Ponting sarcastically said.

Ricky Ponting’s fellow commentator Ian Ward mentioned what happened in the Cardiff Test in 2009. On Day 5 of that Test, Ponting was left fuming with England’s 12th man and physiotherapist for deliberately wasting time. At that moment, Australia needed one wicket to claim a win.

“Are you going to give him a spray, just like you did that fella in Cardiff back in the day? You were his hero,” Ward asked Ponting. In response, the World Cup-winning Australia captain said, “Not for long.”

Matthew Potts took nearly three minutes to change his shoes. Australia wrapped up the 20th over when rain played a spoilsport for the last time in Bristol. Australia succeeded in winning the five-match ODI series 3-2.