Sydney, Nov. 13: Australian cricket captain Ricky Ponting has received strong backing from Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland over the over rate debacle in the fourth Test against India.

Speaking at the launch of Ponting''''s Captain''''s Diary 2008, Sutherland backed Ponting''''s decision to bowl spinners and part-timers in a bid to reel back a slow over rate when wickets were needed to salvage the series, ultimately lost 2-0.

"His batting speaks for itself, but given the events of this week perhaps some need reminding that he is already a cricketing great. He is a player that has always put the team first and he has never measured success by personal statistics,” the Sydney Morning Herald quoted Sutherland, as saying.

"Any suggestion that he put himself first ahead of the team last week in Nagpur is completely off beam and can only come from someone who does not know or understand him," he added.

Ponting said he was "annoyed" by criticism he had put himself ahead of the team. (ANI)