Ponting under scanner for 'periscope' dismissal in final Test against Windies

Dominica, Apr 26(ANI): Veteran Australian batsman Ricky Ponting is under the scanner after being denied the chance smash a career-saving century by a mode of dismissal commonly referred to in cricket circles as a "periscope" in the final test aginst the West Indies.

Ponting left his bat in the air as he ducked a bouncer from his Windies bolwer Kemar Roach, only to be caught after the ball hit the back of his blade on the third day of the final Test.

It was the fifth time in as many matches that Ponting lost his wicket to Roach.

"Unbelievable, I guess if you play cricket long enough you are going to be dismissed every which way. After 165 Test matches I guess he was due for a periscope," The Sydney Morning Herald quoted Ponting, as saying.

"I feel sorry for the bloke because he has been batting beautifully and again it will be give ammunition to some bloody journalist back home ammunition to lampoon, but you guys have seen how well he is playing in tough conditions - but what a bizarre dismissal. But I guess you can only shrug your shoulders and say that's the game," he added.

It was the fifth time in as many matches he has lost his wicket to Roach, though never in such unusual circumstances.

The West Indies was equally surprised by the manner of Ponting's departure.

"It's the first time I've been on the field to see it happen, what happened to Ricky today. It was a short ball by Kemar but the ball never got that high. Unfortunate for Ricky but good for us, "West Indies batsman Narsingh Deonarine said. (ANI)