Ponting ponders retirement
February 20, 2012 17:52:56 UK
Ricky Ponting, 37, is thinking about calling time on his illustrious career.After being axed from Australia's ODI squad, Ricky Ponting is considering whether to still play Test cricket or not.
The veteran batsman is expected to make a decision regarding his complete retirement in the next few days.
While making the announcement of Ponting's dumping, chief selector John Inverarity indicated that the former Australian captain's international career in the 50-over cricketing format is over, although he didn't say it explicitly.
Australia are 1.14 to win the 2012 Commonwealth Bank Series, while India are 1213.00 and Sri Lanka are 5.50.
Inverarity, who also confirmed that Matthew Wade is now Australia's first-choice wicketkeeper, further revealed that Ponting is still a part of Australia's test squad.
However, he did admit that the 37-year-old batsman is thinking to quit the game altogether, in the wake of his ousting from the ODI squad.
"We're hoping Ricky will remain available for Test match cricket. We hope this is not the end for Ricky. Ricky is going to consider his future over the next couple of days and he'll talk it over with his family and with his manager," Inverarity said.
"He's wondering whether he retires completely from ODI cricket so the selectors no longer have him in contention for the possibility, which is unlikely but still a possibility because the door is never closed. And then of course there is the implications for Test cricket.
"If he drops out of the ODI team then there's a possible lack of momentum there. There are three Test matches in the West Indies, then as I understand it there are no more Test matches until October or November."
Don't forget all of the fantastic markets we have to offer, including In-Play betting, can be accessed on your mobile phone with the new and improved Mobile at bet365.
View all Cricket betting