Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Ponting to step down as Australia captain

Ricky Ponting, the most successful captain in test cricket, will step down as Australia skipper later on Tuesday but continue as a batsman with the team, local media reported.

The 36-year-old, who has led Australia in one day internationals since 2002 and tests since 2004, has been under pressure after an Ashes defeat to England earlier this year and a quarter-final exit as defending champions at the World Cup.

Cricket Australia has called a news conference for 1pm local time (0200 GMT), promising a "major announcement" involving a "senior Australian cricketer."

Michael Clarke, who stood in for the injured Ponting in the final Ashes test and for the one-day series against England that followed it, is expected to replace his mentor as skipper.

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