By Tony Wright
Ricky Ponting has responded to his axing from Australia’s one day side by saying he doesn't expect to play for his country again in the 50 over format.
While he’s committed to test cricket, it's clear there is tension between Ponting and the selectors.
Ponting faced up to the media less than 12 hours after his shock dismissal, saying it’s “a little bit hard” to announce his retirement when he’s already been left out of the side.
“I don't expect to play one day international cricket for Australia anymore, and I’m pretty sure the selectors don't expect me to play,” he said.
However, he says the recent test series against India “reinforced that I still have what it takes to be a dominant player at the international level in the test arena”.
The timing of Ponting’s axing is somewhat perplexing, given that the selectors asked him only a week ago to captain the side in the absence of the injured Michael Clarke.
His two games as skipper produced only nine runs, and that it seems, was the final straw.
Ponting says he’s disappointed because of how much he loves “representing my country and playing cricket for Australia”, but says he isn’t bitter and understands the reasons he’s been dropped.
Ponting’s unlikely to get the chance now to add to his impressive one day record – 375 games at an average of 42, including 30 centuries. His 13704 runs are second only to Sachin Tendulkar's 18,000 plus.
The question now is whether Ponting can hang onto to his place in the test side for a chance to reclaim the Ashes in 2013.
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