Soon after Australia lost the third Test against India by 72 runs in Perth on Saturday, the International Cricket Council (ICC) slapped a fine on the team for its slow over rate.
"Mike Procter of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees imposed the fine after Ricky Ponting's side was ruled to be two overs short of its target when time allowances were taken into consideration," ICC said in Dubai.
Australia, leading the series 2-0, had fielded a four-pronged pace attack in an effort to rattle India on a pith that was touted to be one of the fastest in the world, but did not behave that way.
"In accordance with the ICC Code of Conduct regulations governing over-rate penalties, players are fined five per cent of their match fees for every over their side fails to bowl in the allotted time, with the captain fined double that amount," ICC said in a statement.
"As such, Ponting was fined 20 per cent of his match fee while each of his players received 10 per cent fines."
{{/usCountry}}"As such, Ponting was fined 20 per cent of his match fee while each of his players received 10 per cent fines."
{{/usCountry}}The offence is contrary to 'Section J' of the ICC Code of Conduct, which relates to slow over rates.
"For such offences, the decision of the ICC match referee is final and binding."
The fourth Test will start in Adelaide on January 24.