Ponting named interim ODI captain

Experience has won out once again as veteran Ricky Ponting has named Australia’s interim captain during the Commonwealth Bank One-Day International Series in the absence of the injured Michael Clarke.

Less than a year since handing over the captaincy to Clarke, Ponting has been reinstalled as captain of his country on a short term basis, starting with their ODI clash against Sri Lanka in Sydney on Friday.

Ponting, 37 was named as interim captain by the national selectors and beat out competition by the younger David Warner, 25 who has made an indifferent start to the series and is not ready to captain yet according to national selector John Inverarity.

“After careful consideration the National Selection Panel (NSP) has asked Ricky Ponting if he would captain the Australian ODI team in Michael Clarke’s absence,” Inverarity said at a media conference in Sydney on Tuesday.

“David Warner is a young player making his way. He displays considerable leadership potential, but the NSP is of the view that he should not, at this moment, have the added responsibility of captaincy thrust on him.”

“David has been gaining valuable experience under Michael Clarke’s captaincy and now he will have the opportunity to grow his leadership skills further as vice-captain to Ricky Ponting. In making this decision the NSP reminded itself of the fact that Ricky Ponting led the winning Australian ICC Cricket World Cup teams in 2003 and 2007. The NSP appreciates the fact that Ricky is prepared to accept this responsibility in the wider interests of the team.”

Clarke who has suffered a grade one strain on his right hamstring is expected to return back for Australia’s game against India in Brisbane on Sunday as he was also included in the 14-man squad.

However paceman Ryan Harris is being rested for the next few games and he is being replaced by fellow quick Ben Hilfenhaus as well as Brett Lee who has made a surprisingly quick recovery from a broken bone in his foot.

“Some players are showing signs of fatigue after a demanding summer in which the Australian team has played with great intensity and purpose and performed with distinction,” Inverarity told reporters.

“The NSP has omitted Ryan Harris for this reason and for the fact that he is carrying some minor niggles. The NSP has refreshed the squad with the inclusion of Brett Lee and Ben Hilfenhaus. Brett is making a good recovery from his toe injury and will be given rigorous fitness tests before Friday’s ODI fixture. As expected Michael Hussey returns to the squad.”

Australia 14-man ODI Squad:

Michael Clarke (captain)

Ricky Ponting (interim captain)

David Warner

Michael Hussey

David Hussey

Peter Forrest

Dan Christian

Mitchell Marsh

Matthew Wade (wicketkeeper)

Clint McKay

Brett Lee

Ben Hilfenhaus

Mitchell Starc

Xavier Doherty