Summary Ponting signed a two-month contract with English country Surrey.
HOBART (AP) - Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting picked up his domestic cricketer of the year award Wednesday and ruled out a return to the beleaguered test team for the Ashes.
The 38-year-old Ponting, who quit international cricket in November, led the Sheffield Shield with 875 runs at an average of 87.50, including an unbeaten 200 in a recent match. Tasmania will host the first-class final beginning Friday against Queensland.
Ponting says "international cricket has long passed me by," and predicts Australia could "put up a good show" in the fourth and final test against India after three consecutive defeats.
Ponting signed a two-month contract with English country Surrey and will be in England when Australia builds up for the Ashes series.
