Ponting retires from ODIs, vows to carry on in Tests

Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting retired from ODIs Tuesday, a day after he was dropped from the squad for the rest of the Commonwealth Bank Series, but will continue to play Test matches.

The 37-year-old, who led Australia to two World Cup titles in 2003 and 2007, said he took the decision after national selector John Inverarity indicated to him that he doesn’t figure in their plans.

“It’s a little bit hard to come here today and say I’m retiring when I’ve already been left out of the side. I don’t expect to play one-day international cricket for Australia any more and I’m pretty sure the selectors don’t expect to pick me either.

“John made it very clear to me yesterday the direction that they’re heading with the one-day team and that I’m not part of their plans,” he said.

Ponting also said that he doesn’t warrant a place in the side on the basis of his performance in the last five ODI games.

“I totally understand the reasons why, my performances over the last five games haven’t warranted me being in the team. The national selection panel are building a team for the next World Cup and right now I’m not a part of it,” he said.

Ponting, however, vowed to continue his Test career. He scored a drought-breaking 134 in Sydney followed by a double-century in Adelaide during the Test series against India.

“All I have left now is Test cricket so want to be the best I can be in that form of the game. The passion for the international game of cricket for me has not died or changed one little bit,” he said.

Ponting has no intentions to end his international career soon but said the day is also not far.

“I still don’t see a finish line as far as my international career is concerned. Now that one-day cricket isn’t there any more, we all know that day is coming closer and closer for me.

“I don’t think I’m the sort of person who is going to want to have a massive farewell series. I’ll make a decision when I think that I can’t contribute to winning games for Australia.”

Ponting is likely to return to Sheffield Shield cricket for Tasmania if he wants to continue playing Test cricket.

“I’m looking forward to playing some Shield games for Tasmania and getting some runs under my belt ahead of the tour of the West Indies. My club team Mowbray might see a bit of me as well,” he said.