Former skipper Ricky Ponting was dropped from Australia's team for the tri one-day series against India and Sri Lanka, selectors said on Monday.
‘Ricky Ponting has been dropped from the squad due to his lack of form in the five Commonwealth Bank Series matches to date in this series,’’ chairman of selectors John Inverarity said in a statement on Monday February 20, 2012.
While Inverarity accepted the fact that without Ponting the team won’t be the same but at the same time he advocated the ‘moving on’ from outstanding players as the nature of sport.
‘‘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. The team will not seem the same without him, but moving on from the omission of players who have been outstanding over a long period of time is the nature of elite sport.” he said.
‘‘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.” he added
‘‘Ricky being prepared to take over the captaincy in Michael Clarke’s recent absence for the sake of the team is yet another example of his selfless attitude and team-first focus.’’
Meanwhile, allrounder Shane Watson has been included in the squad announced on Monday along with Ryan Harris.
Australia squad for Tri ODIs
The Australia squad named on Monday for the tri one-day series internationals against Sri Lanka in Hobart on February 24 and against India in Sydney on February 26:
Australia - Michael Clarke (Capt), Shane Watson (vice-capt), Dan Christian, Xavier Doherty, Peter Forrest, Ryan Harris, Ben Hilfenhaus, David Hussey, Michael Hussey, Brett Lee, Clint McKay, Matthew Wade, David Warner.
