Melbourne, Sept 20: The Australian cricket team breathed a huge sigh of relief today when captain Ricky Ponting was cleared for the upcoming seven-match one-day series in India.

Cricket Australia's national selection panel confirmed that Ponting, who suffered a hamstring strain during the ongoing Twenty20 World Cup in South Africa, would remain in the squad for the tour of India.

The right-hander was, however, ruled out of any further participation in the Twenty20 tournament, in which Australia reached the last four by defeating Sri Lanka by 10 wickets in Cape Town today.

Ponting would continue his rehabilitation in South Africa before departing with the rest of the Australian squad next week, selection panel chairman Andrew Hilditch said.

"Ricky Ponting is making excellent progress following his hamstring strain in the game against Pakistan on Tuesday. Ricky will be coming on the Travelex Tour of India and will resume playing as soon as he is medically cleared," Hilditch was quoted as saying in a Cricket Australia release.

The Australian team is scheduled to depart South Africa for India on September 25 for a tour which will also feature a Twenty20 game. The first match is scheduled for September 29 in Bangalore.

However, it is not certain whether Ponting would be able to play in all the matches in India and Brad Haddin has been added to the touring party as cover. (Agencies)