Ricky Ponting didn’t want to name who his replacement should be on Thursday, but said Australia’s incoming top-order selection should get ample opportunity to settle in before next year’s Ashes.

The 37-year-old former skipper, who announced he was retiring from Test cricket following the South Africa Test in Perth, said he wanted to step aside before the Sri Lanka series for the sake of whoever comes in.

Phil Hughes and Usman Khawaja head the list of candidates to face Sri Lanka in the next three Tests starting December 14 in Hobart.

Both have had chances in the past, but haven’t played Test cricket in more than a year.

Hughes is the highest run-scorer in Sheffield Shield cricket this year, with Khawaja third on the list.

The former NSW teammates have both pursued new starts this year – Hughes with South Australia and Khawaja with Queensland.

Australia coach Mickey Arthur said on Monday that Victorian Rob Quiney is still very much in the mix, despite being dropped for Perth after scoring a pair in Adelaide and failing in Brisbane.

Ponting said the Sri Lankan series would be the perfect time for the new batsman to find his feet before Australia tour to India and England in 2013.

“Whoever my replacement is has the chance to start afresh in the new series and for me those little things have always been pretty important as well,” Ponting said.

“What’s pleasing is there are a few guys out there in Shield cricket who are scoring runs at the moment.

“I know whoever they decide, (that person) will play well for Australia.

“The next player will be given every opportunity.”

Ponting’s exit also asks questions about who will bat at second drop.

There’s been calls for captain Michael Clarke to move up from No.5, but there’s an equal argument to say he should stay where he is given his unbelievable form of late.

Hughes, normally an opener, would be unlikely to bat higher than No.3 if he was called into the team, however Khawaja or Quiney could definitely slot straight in.

Vice-captain Shane Watson could also move lower to No.4, a move which might help him cope better with his bowling workload.