Melbourne, March 29: Embattled Ricky Ponting today resigned as Australia’s Test and one-day captain, just days after his team’s shocking quarter-final exit from the ongoing World Cup, but said he remained available for selection as a batsman.
“I have resigned as captain of both the Test and one day teams,” Ponting said at a press conference at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
“I will continue to play and I’ve made it very clear to selectors that I’m available for selection in both the one-day and Test teams.
“I have thought long and hard about what Australian cricket needs. Now is the right time for the next captain to assume the responsibility for both the Test and one-day teams,” he added.
The 36-year-old right-hander said that Australia’s World Cup ouster had prompted his decision and insisted that he was not pressurised by Cricket Australia to give up the leadership role.
-Agencies