Ponting’s captaincy future in doubt

SYDNEY:

Ricky Ponting could be in the final week of his nine-year reign as captain after a troubled build-up to the World Cup.

There has reportedly been stiff opposition within Cricket Australia (CA) to the 36-year-old retaining the job after the World Cup, although his position as a player is safe.

“We need to look at the future,” said a report citing a CA official. “It’s time for us to make a change.”

Before the World Cup, Ponting became the only Australian captain to lose the Ashes three times. During the tournament he has been reprimanded by the  ICC after smashing a dressing-room TV in anger after being run-out against Zimbabwe. He was also criticised for angrily throwing the ball to the ground after colliding with Steven Smith against Canada. His sportsman spirit was called into question after he failed to walk after being dismissed against Pakistan

“We’re waiting for the next thing to blow up,” said the official. “We don’t go a game without there being some issue with him.”

Hussey confident of Ponting firing against India

Australia batsman Michael Hussey backed Ponting to silence his critics in the last-eight clash against India.

Hussey was all praise for his captain in the face of criticism.

“From my point of view, he’s the best man for the job,” said the batsman, “He’s got full support of the team. We love having him as captain. Against India is one of those times where I think we’ll see the best of Ponting.”

Published in The Express Tribune, March 23^rd, 2011.