Ponting rested by Aussies

[Mian Hassan]

Michael Clarke will lead Australia in the next two one-dayers against New Zealand after Ricky Ponting was rested by the selectors.

Cricket Australia omitted the captain under their 'player workload' policy despite losing the first game in the five-match series in Perth on Sunday.

With batsman Shaun Marsh ruled out through injury, Western Australian Adam Voges and South Australia's uncapped Callum Ferguson are named in a 13-man squad.

National Selection Panel chairman Andrew Hilditch stressed it was vital Ponting was given a break while backing Ferguson and Voges to make their mark.

"Naturally, as Australia captain, Ricky is keen to play every game and these next two games were no exception," he said. "However, it was always planned that Ricky would have a break at this time.

"While this is a difficult decision for the NSP, given the current performance of the team, in our view it is essential that Ricky has an opportunity to prepare for the forthcoming South Africa tour given his immense workload since the start of the India tour in late September last year.

"Adam Voges and Callum Ferguson are additions to the squad. Both Adam and Callum are having very strong Ford Ranger Cup seasons. While it is a difficult time for the side it is very important that we continue to show faith and support this young side as we rebuild."

The second one-day international takes place at the MCG in Melbourne on Friday, with Sydney hosting the third match on Sunday.

Australia squad: Michael Clarke (captain), Mike Hussey, Nathan Bracken, Callum Ferguson, Brad Haddin, Ben Hilfenhaus, James Hopes, David Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Shaun Tait, David Warner, Cameron White, Adam Voges.

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,195...884359,00.html

I think he is gonna get sacked...

[amdavadi]

They are playing with B grad bowling attact..

[kablooee87]

I'm not sure why, but I'm finding it difficult to convince myself that Australia will be battered by South Africa on the upcoming tour.

[kingusama92]

There are two ways to look at this... one way is that Ponting will be rested and ready to go for the South Africa tour, but on the other hand if they get whitewashed in this ODI series then they will have a lot of explaining to do.

[Savak]

He has been under severe pressure since the tour to India. The guys deserves a bit of a break. The whole experience has taken a mighty toll on him, his own batting form has been pretty ordinary for the last couple of months.

[jusarrived]

They are not resting him ...think , they want to try out M Clarke as captain ....if he does well , have a feeling Ponting will be sacked from captaincy !

[OZGOD]

Originally Posted by kablooee87 I'm not sure why, but I'm finding it difficult to convince myself that Australia will be battered by South Africa on the upcoming tour.

They need time to regroup to get themselves right mentally, otherwise they will get battered. The talent's still there - its just that they've got mental blocks now that they haven't had to deal with for years.

[OZGOD]

Originally Posted by jusarrived They are not resting him ...think , they want to try out M Clarke as captain ....if he does well , have a feeling Ponting will be sacked from captaincy !

That won't happen. It's not in the OZ nature to sack a captain. What will happen is that he may be "encouraged" to resign, but as Clarke is probably not yet ready they won't do that.

Besides, Clarke has captained this side a number of times in ODIs already.

I think they realise that Dubya's under massive mental pressure and they want him to be away from cricket for a week or so.

[jusarrived]

Originally Posted by OZGOD That won't happen. It's not in the OZ nature to sack a captain. What will happen is that he may be "encouraged" to resign, but as Clarke is probably not yet ready they won't do that. Besides, Clarke has captained this side a number of times in ODIs already. I think they realise that Dubya's under massive mental pressure and they want him to be away from cricket for a week or so.

may be not sacked ..but a good chance he might resign himself !