Cricket Australia Signs Ricky Ponting on Two-Year Contract
Australian cricket captain Ricky Ponting has reaffirmed his commitment to the sport by signing a two-year contract with Cricket Australia (CA). The deal will see Ponting remain captain until the middle of 2012, cementing his position in the team despite speculation about his future. Ponting, who has been the second-highest run-scorer in Test history, has seen his career average dip below 55, and has recently struggled with injuries. However, CA selectors, led by Chairman Andrew Hilditch, have expressed confidence in Ponting's ability to turn things around and lead the team to success.
Key Takeaways:
- Ricky Ponting signed a two-year contract with Cricket Australia, ensuring his captaincy until the middle of 2012.
- Ponting will be almost 38 years old when the deal ends, and has hinted at potentially playing through to the 2013 Ashes in England.
- Vice-captain Michael Clarke (29 years old) is the man next in line to assume the captaincy, should Ponting decide to step down.
- Chairman of CA selectors, Andrew Hilditch, hopes Ponting stays on beyond this summer's Ashes and remains a key batsman.
- Ponting's career average has dipped below 55, following a leaner year in cricket and an injury that made it difficult for him to bat.
- CA selectors are confident in Ponting's ability to focus on winning back the Ashes and extend his playing career.
Statistics:
- Ricky Ponting will be almost 38 years old when his two-year contract ends in 2012.
- Ponting was voted cricketer of the decade in 2009 by an ESPN Crincinfo poll.
- Ponting is the second-highest run-scorer in Test history, with a career average below 55.
- Michael Clarke is one year younger than Ponting, at 29 years old.
Sources:
- Xinhua via COMTEX, Aug 05, 2010
- The Australian, Friday, Aug 05, 2010
- ESPN Crincinfo, Poll Result, 2009