An ICC statement, issued I Dubai on Thursday after a boardmeeting, said: "Substitute fielders shall only be permitted in cases of injury, illness or other wholly acceptable reasons.

'Wholly acceptable reasons' should be limited to extreme circumstances and should not include what is commonly referred to as a 'comfort break."

During the 2005 Ashes, Ponting was incensed by the frequency with which England used a substitute fielder.

His frustration boiled over during the fourth Test at Trent Bridge where he was run out by England substitute Gary Pratt.

Ponting, as he walked back into the pavilion, shouted angry words at then England coach Duncan Fletcher.

As it turned out, the star batsman had picked the wrong occasion to let fly at England as Pratt was on the field for fast bowler Simon Jones, off with a genuine ankle problem rather than just having a rest.

Among other rule alterations announced on Thursday was the inclusion of a one-over eliminator to replace the 'bowl-out' in the event of a tie.