Cricket: Ponting joins Surrey on short contract

Ponting singns a deal to play for English side Surrey for two months.

LONDON: Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting agreed a deal to play for English side Surrey for two months of this year’s county season.

Ponting has been signed as a short-term replacement for South Africa skipper Graeme Smith, who is expected to be absent on Champions Trophy duty with the Proteas.

The 38-year-old Ponting, who retired from international cricket in December, will be available for Surrey in all formats of the county game in June and July.

“I’m really excited to be playing for Surrey this season,” Ponting told Surrey’s website. “They are a forward thinking and historic club, and play at one of the greatest grounds in the world. It will be my home for two months this summer. I’d like to think I can contribute a significant amount to the club and am looking forward to getting stuck in as soon as I arrive.”

Published in The Express Tribune, February 22^nd, 2013.