A chastened Australian captain Ricky Ponting has admitted his mistakes during the controversial second Test in Sydney that had generated global outrage, saying his team was determined to uphold the spirit of cricket and learn from their past conducts.

“I have been surprised by the reaction of some in the broader community who believe we did not play that amazing Sydney Test in the spirit of the game.

“We take the spirit of cricket very seriously and are determined to ensure we are not only remembered as a good team but one that is respected throughout the cricket world for the way we play,” he wrote in a column in The Australian.

The Aussies held a team meeting yesterday to discuss the events during and after the Sydney Test. “That is why I led a meeting this afternoon of our team and other cricket officials, where we revisited our spirit of cricket pledge,” Ponting wrote.

He said the team has discussed the areas of improvement and would be careful in those issues.

“We looked back at last week’s game and discussed little areas where we believed we could improve things. No one is beyond criticism or bigger than the game.

“Life’s all about learning little things day by day, and it’s no different playing in a successful cricket team. You always find little ways of improving yourself,” he said.

Ponting admitted he and Michael Clarke should have behaved better during the controversial Sydney Test. “I know when I was given out in the first innings in Sydney, I should have left straight away instead of hanging around for a few seconds, and I know I should not have lobbed my bat into the dressing room.

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