Ponting dropped from ODI squad

Australia have dropped Ricky Ponting for the team’s next two one-day matches against India and Sri Lanka, with their former captain perilously out of form.

Those looking at mobile betting centred around ODI cricket note how the 37-year-old, who has two World Cup wins with Australia to his name, has only managed to score 18 runs during his last five one-day international innnings.

There have indeed been questions surrounding Ponting’s place in the side for quite a while now, so it comes as no surprise that he has finally been dropped.

It will also raise questions over how long Ponting actually has left in the game and whether he will decide to quit.

National selector John Inverarity admits it is shame that they have to drop one of the country’s most important ever players, but insists it is for the good of the team.

He said: “Ricky has been dropped due to his lack of form in this series.

“He will consider his future over the next couple of days. We hope he remains available for Test match cricket.”

Ponting is expected to hold a press conference in Sydney tonight (0000 GMT) where he will discuss his future.

“Ricky is going to consider his future over the next couple of days and talk it over with his family and with his manager,” Inverarity added.

“He is wondering whether he retires completely from ODI cricket … and then there are the implications for Test cricket.”

In the absence of injured skipper Michael Clarke, Ponting stepped in to lead the Australia side in their last two games. During that time he oversaw one win and one defeat.

“Ricky being prepared to take over the captaincy in Clarke’s recent absence for the sake of the team is yet another example of his selfless attitude and team-first focus,” Inverarity said.

Having previously captained the side on a full-time basis, Ponting stepped down from that roll following last year’s World Cup.

During his career he has played a staggering 375 one-day internationals, scoring an impressive 13,704 runs at an average of 42. The Tasmanian hit 30 centuries and 82 half-centuries as well as taking 160 catches.

Inverarity added: “Ricky’s record speaks for itself. He is one of the truly great performers in the history of Australian ODI cricket, with his reputation enhanced further by him captaining Australia to two World Cup victories.

“Ricky’s contribution goes far beyond his batting statistics and his brilliant fielding. The example he sets in every respect and his extraordinarily positive influence in the dressing room is acknowledged by all.

“He is held in the highest possible regard by his team-mates and there is no higher accolade than this.”

Ponting is now expected to weigh up whether to retire from international cricket or play on as a Test player.