Ricky Ponting quits from Australian captaincy

Two times World Cup winning Australian skipper Ricky Ponting stepped down from the post of captaincy on Tuesday, following his side’s quarter final exit from the ongoing World Cup 2011.

Ricky Ponting resigned from both Test and One Day International captaincy but he said he would continue to play for Australia in both Test and One Day Internationals, Cricket Australia, the custodian of the game in the country, said.

Ponting said: ?I have resigned as captain of both the Test and One Day Australian teams. I will continue to play and am available for selection in both the one day and Test teams. ”

?I have thought long and hard about what Australian cricket needs. Now is the right time for the next captain to assume the responsibility for both the Test and One day teams. We have to be doing everything we can to win back the Ashes in 2013-14 and the World Cup in 2015,? Ponting said.

Australia were defeated by India in the World Cup quarterfinal clash between the two heavy weight sides last week.

?Today is a new start for me and I am very excited about the future. I will give my complete support to our new captain and continue to do my best to set the best possible example for my teammates and emerging cricketers alike,? Ponting said.

Ricky Ponting took charge of the Asutralian Test side in Mar 2004 and has captained his side 77 times in Test cricket with a significant winning record of 62.33 percent.

He captained Australia to 48 wins, 16 losses and 13 draws.

Ricky Ponting led his side in 228 ODI, which is the most ODI?s captained by any individual, official site mentioned

His had a winning record of 76.38 percent ODI?s, a bit less than that of the West Indian legend Clive Lloyd (77%).

He captained Australia to 164 wins 50 losses 12 no results and 2 ties in his long career as the Australian skipper.

Under his leadership Australia won two ICC Cricket World Cups ( 2003 and 2007) and two ICC Champions Trophies (2006 and 2009).