Cricket: Ponting 'a Disgrace' Says Rowan

Australia's captain Ricky Ponting has instructed his players to improve their public image after vitriolic criticism of their behaviour by the retired Test umpire Lou Rowan.

Rowan, a former Brisbane police detective who stood in 25 Tests from 1963-1971, railed in the Sydney Herald Sun: "Ponting is a smartarse and a disgrace as leader. The conduct of him and his players is absolutely disgraceful. He has no control over his players."

Rowan is the most scathing of several past Australian Test players and coaches who have accused Ponting's Australians of plumbing new depths in trying to rebuild their reputation after the Ashes. Three players - Adam Gilchrist, Brett Lee and Glenn McGrath - have all found disfavour with match referees, and the build-up to the South Africa series was so ferocious that the ICC's chief executive Mal Speed demanded better behaviour.

Ponting has received most criticism over the habit among Australian bowlers of questioning umpires' decisions. He partially backtracked yesterday, saying: "I had a chat with the guys to make sure we are thinking about how bad it would look on the television if we do it. I have got no problem with the bowlers, especially, wanting to have a chat with the umpire and ask about certain decisions that have been made. But let's just make it one question and one answer and get on with it."

Rowan, who fell out with England 36 years ago when he warned John Snow for intimidatory bowling, made his protest in a letter to Cricket Australia. He accused Ponting of having "no class", stating: "The standard of conduct that was commonplace in my time has been contemptuously trampled underfoot by certain Australian players who cannot grasp the significance of the honour bestowed on them by the baggy green cap."