Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting shook his head in the commentary box as England cricketers used time-wasting tactics during the fifth ODI in Bristol.
Chasing a target of 310 runs for victory, Australia plundered 103 runs during the Powerplay to put the tourists well ahead of the DLS benchmark amid the looming threat of rain.
However, the result cut-off in ODIs is 20 overs. Otherwise, the match will be considered a draw. With Australia on course for a comfortable win, England were desperate for rain to intervene before the 21st to escape with a draw and deny their Ashes rivals a series win.
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As the clouds thickened and the wind picked up, England bowler Matthew Potts attempted to slow the pace in the 18th over by taking off his left shoe and calling for a replacement.
It took 14 deliveries to get the result, and Potts successfully completed three minutes of play as the substitute fielder jogged onto the field with his shoe in hand as the frustrated umpire looked on. Australian batsman Marnus Labuschagne and coach Daniel Vettori could not hide their embarrassment as they laughed on the field.
Commentator Geoff Lemon said: “Matthew Potts is demanding new boots and the referee is looking at him with a rather unpleasant expression.” BBC Test Match Special.
“This is nonsense!”
When England tried a similar time-wasting tactic in the 2009 Ashes Test in Cardiff, Ponting, who famously captained Australia, looked on in bewilderment from the Sky Sports commentary box.
“We’ve seen this movie before.” Ponting laughed.
“This is getting more and more interesting.
“There appears to be no problem with the boots.”
Fellow Sky Sports pundit Ian Ward mocked: “This happens, Rick…he’s just getting his nail polish done.”
Ward could not help but mention the Cardiff incident in which Ponting lost his temper at England’s 12th man and physio as Australia desperately searched for a crucial wicket on the final day.
“Are you going to spray him like you did that friend in Cardiff back then?” Ward continued.
“You were his hero!”
Ponting smiled and replied, “Not for long.”
Potts’ antics proved futile and the players pressed on for a further 18 deliveries before dreadful rain arrived on the 21st.
