New Delhi: Delhi Capitals (DC) head coach Ricky Ponting has addressed the long-standing rumor regarding his bat during the 2003 World Cup Final against India at Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg, debunking the myth surrounding its alleged spring mechanism.

Ponting was previously accused of using a spring in his bat during the title clash against India, purportedly to gain an advantage in generating more power and distance in his shots. His unbeaten 140-run knock, which included eight sixes, played a pivotal role in Australia posting a formidable total of 359/2.

Despite more than two decades passing since Australia's fourth World Cup triumph, questions about Ponting's bat persist. In 2020, the former Australian captain shared a picture of his bat used in the 2003 final, but netizens continued to inquire about the alleged spring mechanism.

In a video shared by Delhi Capitals on its social media platform, an influencer jokingly prodded Ponting to divulge details about his supposed spring bat.

Responding to the query, Ponting jokingly stated, “Yes there was spring in the bat handle. Only one bat and I only used in WC 2003 final.”

However, Ponting clarified that he never used such a bat and debunked the myth.

Reflecting on the 2003 World Cup Final, Australia convincingly defeated India by 125 runs to clinch their then-record fourth title of the prestigious tournament. After setting a commanding total of 359/2, Australia's bowling attack dismantled the Indian batting lineup, restricting them to 234 all out in 39.2 overs. Pace spearhead Glenn McGrath led the charge with three wickets, supported by Brett Lee and Andrew Symonds, who claimed two scalps each.

Virender Sehwag emerged as India's top scorer in the final, contributing 82 runs off 81 balls, while Rahul Dravid posted the second-highest score of 47.

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New Delhi: Billionaire Gautam Adani and his nephew Sagar Adani have not been charged with any violations of the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) in the indictment filed by US authorities in a court in a bribery case, the Adani Group said on Wednesday.

Gautam Adani, founder chairman of the ports-to-energy conglomerate, Sagar Adani and another key executive, Vneet Jaain, have been charged by the US Department of Justice with being part of an alleged scheme to pay USD 265 million in bribes to Indian officials to win contracts for supply of solar electricity that would yield USD 2 billion profit over a 20-year period.

In a stock exchange filing, Adani Green Energy Ltd, which is at the centre of the bribery allegations, said reports claiming that the three have been charged with FCPA violations "are incorrect".

They have been charged with offences that are punishable with a monetary fine or penalty.

"Gautam Adani, Sagar Adani and Vneet Jaain have not been charged with any violation of the FCPA in the counts set forth in the indictment of the US DOJ or civil complaint of the US SEC.

"These directors have been charged on three counts in the criminal indictment, namely (i) alleged securities fraud conspiracy, (ii) alleged wire fraud conspiracy, and (iii) alleged securities fraud," the filing said.

The Adani Group has denied all allegations and said it will take all possible legal recourse to defend itself.

A criminal indictment has been filed before the United States District Court Eastern District of New York by the Department of Justice in the case of USA against Gautam Adani, Sagar Adani and Vneet Jaain.

"The indictment does not specify any quantum of any fine/penalty," the company said.

The civil complaint alleges that the executives violated certain sections of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Act of 1934, and aided and abetted Adani Green Energy Limited's violation of the Acts, it said.

"Although the complaint prays for an order directing the defendants to pay civil monetary penalties, it does not quantify the amount of penalty," it said.