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Sports
 Sydney,
Nov 28: Ricky Ponting was today named Australia's Test Captain to
replace Steve Waugh who is retiring at the end of the upcoming
series against India. Cricket Australia chief Merriman said the
Board had accepted the recommendation of the National Selection
Panel to appoint Ponting as Steve Waugh's successor in early
January. "Ricky has proven to be an outstanding international
captain and leader. His record leading up to and through this
year's ICC World Cup, in the West Indies and in recent weeks in
India speaks for itself," Merriman said.
 Waugh,
38, announced his retirement on Wednesday, effective at the end of
the fourth test match against India at the Sydney Cricket Ground
from January 2-6. Merriman said the announcement was made so that
the players could focus on the important series against India.
"Given the strong public interest in the issue, we thought it
would be prudent to avoid any undue distraction throughout the
summer by making this announcement," he said. Ponting said he
was "honoured" to be named as the Test captain-elect.
"The one-day captaincy has given me a valuable insight into
the characteristics required to be a successful leader, and I'm
confident I can transfer these skills across to the Test
arena."
Ponting also said
that he had learnt a lot playing under the "true legend of
the game," Steve Waugh. "I've learnt a lot about
leadership having played under Stephen for many years now and I
feel well equipped to take on what is undoubtedly one of the
highest honours in Australian sport," he said. Steve Waugh
also voiced his support for Ponting's appointment. "I've
always regarded Ricky as an outstanding leader. He's been a very
good captain in one-day cricket, and an impressive deputy at Test
level. His promotion to Test captain seems the logical move. It's
good that this announcement has taken place so that we can now all
focus on the Test series before us," said Waugh. Cricket
Australia has named Adam Gilchrist as the next vice-captain.
(Agencies)
Published:
Friday, November 28, 2003
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