Ricky Ponting resigns as Australia captain
Ricky Ponting has decided to step down as the captain of Australia, but the veteran cricketer will continue representing his team as a player. The two-time World Cup winning captain came under the scanner after his Ashes loss at home, followed by a quarter-final
exit from the ICC World Cup, 2011.
The 36-year-old stated, “I have thought long and hard about what Australian cricket needs. Now is the right time for the next captain to assume the responsibility for both the Test and one-day teams.”
Ponting further added, “Today is a new start for me and I am very excited about the future. I will give my complete support to our new captain and continue to do my best to set the best possible example for my team-mates and emerging cricketers alike.”
The Australian selectors had to announce the team’s squad for the Bangladesh tour, which will feature three One Day Internationals (ODIs). The squad was due to be announced on Wednesday 30th March and Ponting was expected to be sacked from captaincy.
However, the stylish first-drop batsman expressed his desire to get selected as a senior player in the team for the upcoming tour in April. He proved his form in the knockout match against India, in which he scored a terrific century. Prior to that, Ponting’s
form as a player was also under doubt.
It is likely that Michael Clarke will replace Ponting as the Australian captain. The 29-year-old was the stand-in captain of Australia during a seven match ODI series against England. Although the Poms were in dominant form, Clarke led his team to a magnificent
6-1 series win.
However, the stylish batsman wasn’t in a good touch as a player, which raised some questions over his future as a leader of the team. Clarke responded to the criticism with some good knocks in the mega event, which would make him the best possible choice
after Ponting.
Clarke may not be given a very tough challenge by Bangladesh, but he will be put to a test against tougher opponents like Sri Lanka and South Africa, whom Australia will face after the series against the minnows.