Ponting fined for throwing bat

Ricky Ponting has been fined $250 by Cricket Australia for throwing his bat after he was dismissed while playing a domestic limited overs match for Tasmania against Western Australia in Perth.

Ponting threw his bat in the air on the way back to the pavilion after he was run out for 95 in a mix-up with the young batsman Jordan Silk, the blade landing a couple of metres in front of him. The incident was captured by the broadcasters' television cameras.

Given that it was Ponting's first offence in the past 18 months, he was eligible to receive the minimum penalty - an official reprimand. However CA chose to press the case further, calling the disciplinary hearing, at which Ponting pleaded guilty to the charge, and levying the fine.

"Although it was Ponting's first offence in the last 18 months," A CA statement said, "given the nature of the incident CA objected to the prescribed penalty of an official reprimand for a first time offender of the Code of Behaviour and requested the charge be heard in front of a CA Code of Behaviour Commissioner.

"The hearing occurred in Perth this afternoon in front of Commissioner Rob O'Connor. Ponting pleaded guilty to the charge and was fined $250."

Ponting's 95 led Tasmania to a 51-run victory at the WACA ground. He has scored 209 runs at an average of 41.80 in five Ryobi Cup matches this season.