"Graeme Smith got strongly criticised for setting defensive fields. I disagree with that because on the flat wickets you have these days you need to be able to save runs," Richards said.

"Defensive fields in a way become attacking fields. You need to have an in and out field. People say third man is a defensive position, yet 30 per cent of all Test runs go through there at the WACA," he added.

Ponting also drew flak from former Test batsman and WACA Chief Executive Graeme Wood for critising the WACA pitch for the loss.

"One side got 20 wickets, one side didn't. When you are 162-7 in the second innings, I don't think you can point the finger at the wicket," Wood said.

"At one stage the wicketkeepers were back 25 metres. Brett Lee bounced one over the keeper's head. In the Ashes series we didn't receive any criticism when Shane Warne took that last wicket and they won the Test on the fifth day," he said.

WACA curator Cam Sutherland, on his part, questioned Australia's preparation and said Ponting had not even consulted him before the Test.

"I haven't had any communication with Ricky. He hasn't spoken to me and there was absolutely nothing about the pitch," Sutherland said.