Ricky Ponting has been named in a 13-man Tasmania squad for the crucial Sheffield Shield match against South Australia beginning at the Adelaide Oval on Wednesday.

The former Australian captain last played for the Tigers in the four-day format against Western Australia in October last year, when he made 87 and 33.

Ponting returned to form in the one-day arena on Saturday when he made an unbeaten 75 from 78 balls in the tied final of the domestic 50-over competition against the Redbacks.

The Shield holders have also included allrounder James Faulkner, who missed last week’s win over Queensland after suffering a back spasm, one-day bowler Ben Laughlin and rookie Jeremy Smith.

Batsmen Steve Cazzulino and Jon Wells and paceman Brendan Drew have been dropped.

Tasmania sit third on the ladder, just four points behind leaders WA and two behind Queensland, as the fight for a place in the final heats up with two matches left.

Tasmania: George Bailey (capt), Jackson Bird, Luke Butterworth, Mark Cosgrove, Ed Cowan, Alex Doolan, James Faulkner, Matt Johnston, Brady Jones, Jason Krejza, Ben Laughlin, Ricky Ponting, Jeremy Smith (one to be omitted, 12th man to be named).