Ponting, Ishant in trouble for showing dissent

SYDNEY: Australian captain Ricky Ponting and Indian fast bowler Ishant Sharma could be in trouble for dissent on the field, ICC's chief executive Malcolm Speed said on Friday.

Speed said the behavior of the two will be cited as part of a major crackdown on dissent.

Speed also came down hard at match referee Mike Procter who failed to fine Yuvraj Singh guilty of dissent in Melbourne after he "contested" the decision that got him out.

This has increased pressure on Procter, who publicly admitted his error at a SCG breakfast this week, to take action in what has been an enthralling second Test.
   
Ponting is likely to be cited for his delayed first innings exit when incorrectly given out lbw to Harbhajan Singh by umpire Mark Benson, a decision which also prompted the Tasmanian to throw his bat in disgust once inside the dressing room.
   
Sharma persisted with the appeal and showed his dissent when umpire Steve Bucknor rejected his appeal for an obvious edge of Andrew Symonds when the batsman was on 30.
   
Both Ponting and Sharma can expect a reprimand and fine, while Indian batsman Sourav Ganguly may also find himself in trouble after he smashed his bat on the pitch after he gave away his wicket in India's first innings.