Australia captain Ricky Ponting [Images] apologised for losing his temper following his dismissal at a crucial stage during the third day of the fourth Ashes Test on Saturday.

Ponting made it clear, however, that he was still annoyed over England's [Images] use of specialist substitute fielders during the series.

- Day 3: Report | Scorecard

"I was disappointed over my dismissal, given that it was at a crucial stage of the game and I had worked very hard to get to that point," Ponting said in a statement.

"I let myself down with my reaction and for that I apologise to those who see me as a role model."

Ponting had scored 48 and was helping to stabilise Australia's second innings after they had been forced to follow on when he was run out by a direct hit from specialist England substitute fielder Gary Pratt. Damien Martyn had called for a risky single. The skipper's dismissal made it 155 for three. Australia ended the day on 222 for four, still needing 37 more to make England back again. The five-match series stands at 1-1.

After his dismissal, Ponting approached the umpire before firing off angry words towards England's fielders. He also appeared to shout up at the home team's balcony, where coach Duncan Fletcher had been sitting.

Australia have been annoyed by England's regular use of specialist substitute fielders throughout the series, believing the home side's first-choice players often take breaks despite not being genuinely injured.

"My frustration at getting out was compounded by the fact I was run out by a substitute fielder, an issue which as concerned us from the start of the series and one we raised prior to the series," he said.