Ricky Ponting is to captain Australia again after national selector John Inverarity installed him as skipper for Friday's ODI against Sri Lanka in Sydney.
With current leader Michael Clarke ruled out with a hamstring injury, Inverarity has turned to 37-year-old Ponting, who stepped down as captain after a highly-successful tenure in charge last March.
With over 13,000 Test runs and approaching 14,000 50-over runs to his name, the Tasmanian is one of his country`s all-time greats, and has recently enjoyed a timely return to form, with scores of 134 and 221 in the Test whitewash of India reminiscent of Ponting before he was broken by England.
He came under increasing pressure as captain last winter after a 3-1 Ashes loss - the third he had presided over - and he stood down as the top man after a quarter-final exit at the World Cup.
Inverarity admits that opener David Warner is seen as Clarke`s natural replacement but, at this stage in his development, would rather Ponting steer the ship.
"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.
"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."
Australia are hopeful Clarke will return for Sunday`s fixture with Sri Lanka in Brisbane.
National Selector John Inverarity said: "Michael Clarke will not be considered for the ODI in Sydney this Friday due to a low-grade hamstring strain. The medical staff are hopeful that Michael will be fit to play in Brisbane on Sunday. Hence he has been included in the squad.
"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. The National Selection Panel (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.
"After careful consideration the NSP has asked Ricky Ponting if he would captain the Australian ODI team in Michael Clarke's absence. 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.
"The NSP also looks forward to Shane Watson playing in the forthcoming Bupa Shield match and proving his fitness."
Commenting on Shane Watson, Australia Physiotherapist Alex Kountouris said: "Shane played a Grade cricket game in Sydney on Saturday. He batted and bowled in that game without any issue and will be available for consideration for selection for a Bupa Shield game in Perth later this week as he continues his return from injury."
