Ponting rues lack of support

Ricky Ponting remains mystified by the half-empty stadiums which have characterised the first half of the World Cup and left players wondering why so few are coming to watch them.

Ponting was aghast to see such a small crowd for Australia's first second-stage match against West Indies, admitting: "One thing I just haven't understood is the crowd support throughout the venues the last couple of games."

Echoing remarks made on Tuesday by home captain Brian Lara, Ponting added: "I couldn't believe there wasn't a full house for the West Indies-Australia game here the other day."

Prohibitive ticket prices and ground regulations dissuading traditional Caribbean atmosphere have been put forward, among many other theories, as the root of an apparent boycott by West Indies cricket fans.

"I'm not sure what the reason is," admitted the Australia captain, who fears even fewer home-grown spectators will be in evidence should the Windies fail to reach the semi-finals of their own tournament.

"If the West Indies do go out, there probably won't be much support around the grounds at all - which will be disappointing in a World Cup.

"I guess getting towards the latter stages there will be a lot of visitors coming in from around the world, but it would be nice if a lot of the locals got out and supported the games as well."