Buzzin Cricket

Ricky Ponting has announced his retirement from international Twenty20 cricket today, the Australian will remain as captain of the Test match and one day teams, but feels that withdrawing from Twenty20 internationals will extend his playing career.

The 34 year old Australian had taken time out to consider his future following defeat in the Ashes series last month and has given the decision “much thought and careful consideration” before making a decision.  Ponting issued the following statement;

“As I said after the fifth Test in London, I am hoping to continue playing Test cricket for as long as possible and retiring from the Twenty20 format gives me the best chance of doing this. I will now have set periods of rest throughout the Australian summer and while touring, which I feel will be very beneficial.

While I will no longer be available for Australian Twenty20 cricket, I look forward to playing with Tasmania’s KFC (Twenty20) Big Bash team where possible and to fulfilling my contract with the Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League.”

Michael Clarke, vice-captain and current stand-in during the one-day series in England, is expected to be named as Ponting’s replacement as Twenty20 skipper.