Ponting to replace injured Michael Clarke

Cricket

Ponting to replace injured Michael Clarke

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Ponting, who was replaced as Australia captain last year, was named as the stand-in skipper.

14 February,2012 03:26 am

Former skipper Ricky Ponting will lead Australia in the place of injured Michael Clarke for Australias tri one-day series international against Sri Lanka in Sydney, officials said on Tuesday.Ponting, who was replaced as Australia captain last year, was named as the stand-in skipper for Fridays match after Clarke injured a hamstring in the teams four-wicket loss to India in Adelaide on Sunday.Team officials said they hoped Clarke would recover from his strain in time for Sundays ODI against India in Brisbane.After careful consideration the selection panel has asked Ricky Ponting if he would captain the Australian ODI team in Michael Clarkes absence, chief selector John Inverarity said.The panel appreciates the fact that Ricky is prepared to accept this responsibility in the wider interests of the team.Paceman Brett Lee and senior batsman Mike Hussey return to the squad with fast bowler Ryan Harris rested, but there was no place for Test wicketkeeper Brad Haddin, who has yet to play in the tri ODI series.Selectors also named opening batsman David Warner as team vice-captain in the continuing absence of Shane Watson, who will try to prove his fitness in a Sheffield Shield match this weekend.Michael Clarke will not be considered for the ODI in Sydney this Friday due to a low-grade hamstring strain, Inverarity said.The medical staff are hopeful that Michael will be fit to play in Brisbane on Sunday and that is why he has been included in the squad.Inverarity said some players were showing signs of fatigue after a demanding summer of Tests, ODIs and Twenty20 cricket.Ryan Harris has been omitted for this reason and for the fact that he is carrying some minor niggles, he said.