Ricky Ponting slams Ollie Robinson after Usman Khawaja send-off

Ollie Robinson gave a send-off to Australian opener Usman Khawaja in the first innings of the Birmingham test.

Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting has slammed England’s pacer Ollie Robinson for his send-off to Australian opener Usman Khawaja on day 3 of the first Ashes test at Edgbaston. Pacer Robinson refused to apologize for his obscene words used against Usman Khawaja after he was dismissed on 141 by Robinson when Khawaja missed one of Robinson’s yorkers after Stokes called the field up and close to Khawaja. Robinson then charged towards Khawaja, celebrating his success and swearing a few harsh words. Later on in the press conference, Robinson defended his action by saying, “We have all seen Ricky Ponting, other Aussies do the same to us”. 

Punter responds to Robinson's charge

Responding to Robinson’s statement Ponting said, “I was sitting back and having a pizza and watching US Open golf and my phone lit up with what he had to say in a press conference. I was a little surprised just because it’s so long ago. If he had used one of the current player examples then fine, but I haven’t played cricket for 11 years and probably have not sledged an Englishmen for about 15, He must have a long memory”. 

Ponting further added, “The flip side of what happened, and I understand it, I’m no saint as far as this stuff is concerned, but on one hand, Ollie Robinson is giving him a send-off and on the other hand, Joe Root is running across to shake his hand and pat him back and say well Played. That’s the contrast maybe a bowler who is toiling away and is a little bit frustrated, and a fielder that sat back and watched a really good test inning”. 

Punter shuts up KP with just one line answer

Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting also shut down Kevin Pietersen during the lunch break show on day 4. Joe Root had an outstanding start to the day but could not stay for long and was out on just 46. Kevin Pietersen praising Root said, “Joe Root just owned the game, He ran the game, he was pure quality and just owned the space. All of this lot was just scratching their heads going, ‘what do we do”. Responding to this Ponting said, “Well he’s out now, got 40”. He remained calm and replied to Pietersen’s praises with a smirk on his face.