Australia coach Mickey Arthur says a jaded Ricky Ponting needs a rest but he can’t afford to leave the veteran batsman out of his team with Michael Clarke injured.
Ponting, 37, has played all six of Australia’s Tests this summer as well as four one-day internationals but he’s yet to pass 10 in the triangular series, failing again with two in Friday night’s eight-wicket loss to Sri Lanka at the SCG.
And Arthur says in an ideal world Ponting would be taking a break rather than preparing to lead Australia into battle once more against India at the Gabba on Sunday.
“If I have to be totally honest Ricky is a little bit jaded, like a couple of our Test players that have played all summer,” Arthur told reporters in Brisbane on Saturday.
“But that is the treadmill of international cricket and they have to find a way to make their performances count and have an impact on the team.”
Ponting himself conceded after Friday night’s loss that his own form was not satisfactory but said he had no intention to call time on his 374 one-day international career.
Arthur said there’s no doubt Ponting’s experience and knowledge are vital to Australia but that wouldn’t ensure a future at ODI level unless his performances start to improve.
“Every cricketer’s currency is performance, that’s what gets you into the Australian team,” he said.
“A character like Ricky Ponting is someone you want around the team all the time because he’s so inspirational, he’s still our fittest player and hardest trainer and he trains with the most intensity, he’s a fantastic example to every guy who comes into this team.
“Ricky is a class act, there is no way you can write off a champion like Ricky Ponting. He faced those same issues around the first couple of Test matches and he came through the Test series, had a great series against India and I hope he turns it around tomorrow.”
Ponting admits his form is nowhere near acceptable, but he hadn’t considered avoiding the captaincy in Clarke’s absence even though that leadership role is set to extend a game further with Clarke ruled out of Sunday’s clash in Brisbane.
“This week is nothing different for me, just got a little bit of added responsibility that I’ve had 170 times before,” he said.
“It’s nothing new to me but being able to make the team bounce back strongly for Sunday is something that we’ve all got to take on board.
“I’m going to have a leading role in that and I’m going to make sure I do everything I can to get the boys up on Sunday.”
Tasmanian skipper George Bailey joined the international squad in Brisbane on Saturday as cover with Clarke no longer available.
Victorian spinner Jon Holland is also with the squad in a cover role following Xavier Doherty’s back spasms in the lead-up to Friday’s match.
Sunday’s game begins at 1.20pm (1420 AEDT).
Australia: Ricky Ponting (capt), David Warner, George Bailey, Daniel Christian, Xavier Doherty, Peter Forrest, Ben Hilfenhaus, Jon Holland, Dave Hussey, Mike Hussey, Brett Lee, Clint McKay, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Wade.
