Ricky Ponting reprimanded for smashing TV

Ponting leaves the field folowing his dismissal (GETTY IMAGES)

Australia captain Ricky Ponting has been reprimanded by the International Cricket Council after damaging a television set in the team dressing room following his dismissal against Zimbabwe on Monday.

Ponting was charged with a level one breach of the ICC Code of Conduct under clause 2.1.2, which covers "abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment or fixtures and fittings during an international match".

He accepted the charge and the sanction issued by match referee Roshan Mahanama, negating the need for a formal hearing.

The ICC settled for the low-level charge and minimum sanction - level one offences can carry punishments up to a fine of 50% of the player's match fee - after accepting that the damage was accidental.

Their statement noted that "the damage occurred when he threw down a piece of equipment which bounced off his kit bag and hit the corner of the television".

Mahanama added: "Ricky knows that his action was in breach of the code, involving a brief moment of frustration. That said, it was clear that the damage he caused was purely accidental and without malice, he apologised shortly after the incident at the ground and immediately agreed to pay for the damage."