Ponting to miss Bangladesh series due to wrist surgery

From ANI

Melbourne, Aug 15: Michael Clarke will captain Australia in the one-day series against Bangladesh, while regular skipper Ricky Ponting recovers from wrist surgery.

Australia named a 14-man squad with Mike Hussey to serve as Clarke's vice-captain in the three-game series in Darwin on August 30, September 3 and 6.

Clarke, 27, led Australia for the final two one-dayers of the West Indies tour last month after Ponting's early departure home.

He is unbeaten as captain, with Australia winning both those two games and Clarke's two Twenty20 internationals in charge.

"While it is disappointing not to have Ricky Ponting available we are confident continuing his recovery and missing this series will assure Ricky is ready for the demanding cricket schedule ahead for the Australian team," chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch said.

"Matthew Hayden has been selected in the side subject to his fitness. His progress has been monitored closely by our physiotherapist and doctor and his overall participation in the series will be determined as we get closer to the date," he added.

Australian team physio Alex Kountouris said that Ponting was making good progress. "He is ... on track to be available for upcoming cricket," Kountouris added.

Selectors reserve the right to add a 15th player to the squad if necessary; Fox News quoted Hilditch, as saying.


Copyright Asian News International/DailyIndia.com