Ponting under pressure to prove himself post ODI axing – Cricket News Update
After his abrupt axing from Australia’s ODI squad, the upcoming Test series against the http://www.senore.com/Cricket/RT-Ponting-c2377 as he attempts to prove that he deserves his place in the line-up.
“International cricket's not about having one good series. It's about being consistent and putting performances on the board game after game,” Ponting said.
The 37-year-old was unceremoniously dropped from the ODI squad in the middle of the Commonwealth Banks series against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Sri-Lanka-c758, after he fell into a batting slump, registering disappointing scores such as 2, 1, 6 and 7. The move was completely
unprecedented, taking even Ponting by surprise, after he had been filling in as captain for the injured http://www.senore.com/Cricket/MJ-Clarke-c1978.
The veteran batsman did not formally announce his retirement from the limited-overs format of the game, saying instead that he did not foresee a future for himself in the format. He did, however, announce his intent to continue with Test cricket, in addition
to playing for http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Tasmania-c854 to maintain his fitness.
Despite the CB series disappointments, the right-hander went on to support the Tigers in a big way, contributing scores such as 75, 130, and 111. This, combined with his impressive double century in the Test match against India earlier this year prompted
selectors to include him in the line-up for the upcoming Tests series against the Windies.
“The Indian Test series was great. It had been a long time between drinks since I'd had a series like that, and to come out of that and play well in the games I played for Tassie was satisfying,” Ponting admitted.
“To know the hard work I've been doing is paying off is satisfying as well. That's what this week's all about now, making sure I get that preparation spot on and am ready to go for the three-day game, get something out of that which I can,” he added, admitting
that his future on the team depended on his performance.
A veteran of 162 Tests, with 13200 runs at an average of 53.44 to his name, the Tasmanian’s experience is bound to prove valuable for his side as they prepare to tackle their Caribbean hosts in a 3-match Test series, scheduled to start at the Kensington
Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados on April 7.
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