Ponting gives Clarke support

Test captain impressed with T20 skipper

Last Updated: May 18, 2010 1:32pm

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Ponting: Kind words for team-mate

Sky Bet

Australia Test skipper Ricky Ponting has backed Twenty20 captain Michael Clarke despite the player's own doubts over his role.

Clarke, who led the Aussies to the final of the recent ICC World Twenty20, has been widely tipped as Ponting's successor in the longer form of the game.

But the 29-year-old batsman said that he expected selectors to re-evaluate his position after his side's defeat to England in the final of the tournament.

Although he suffered a poor run of form and ultimately failed to secure victory in the West Indies, Ponting says he was impressed with Clarke's captaincy.

"He's had a bit of exposure now, a few one-day games that I haven't been a part of and obviously a lot of the Twenty20 games in the last 12 or 18 months that he's stepped in and captained he's done a terrific job," the veteran said.

Good signs

"Every time that I've seen Michael in a leadership role he's done exceptionally well. So, really good signs there for the future of Australian cricket going forward."

Ponting will attempt to regain the Ashes in a home series at the end of the year and hopes an October tour of India will serve as ideal preparation.

The tour currently features only one-day internationals but the hosts have suggested sacrificing some of the limited overs contests for Test matches, an offer Ponting is keen to take up.

He added: "It looks like that tour of India now might be broken up into a few one-dayers and a couple of Test matches.

"Ideally for us it would be great if the Test matches were played second in India before we get back to Australia for the start of the Ashes but we'll wait and see how that itinerary works itself out."