Ponting admits 3rd Ashes loss could end his captaincy

Australian captain Ricky Ponting has admitted that the third Ashes defeat could be his last series as a captain. He has also admitted that he faces the biggest eight months of his career.

Ponting has however lost Ashes two times in England as a skipper, he has acknowledged losing a series at home could be a heavy blow for him to resist.

Ponting told, “I’d probably be looking for a new job if we lose again, It’s as simple as that. I’ve got the biggest eight months of my career coming up. We are playing India, then England and then the World Cup.”

“It doesn’t get any bigger than that and everything I do between now and April will be geared at getting the most out of myself and, most importantly, the group. If I’m able to do that I think there are some pretty special things on the horizon for this team.”, he added.

On being asked if an Ashes and World Cup double would be the perfect send-off, ponting left a little room for the possibility of retirement. He said, “I don’t know if there’s ever a perfect time to go,”

Although, Ponting has always said that he will keep playing as long as he is enjoying the game, he told, “We’ll see. I’ve always said if I don’t feel I can play the way I want to or if I can’t improve any more then it will be time to look at what I’m doing. But I’m definitely as motivated as ever and as hungry as I’ve ever been. And after scoring runs at the Oval I’m feeling more like my old self, too.”

Ponting said he was not feeling any more pressure for his poor performance in Natwest Series as he said, “I haven’t thought about any added pressure on me. I’m just thinking about being the best player I can be and having a significant impact on the Ashes series as a batsman and as a leader.”

Australian Skipper was asked if England has an edge over Australia in all three forms of the game, he said, “That did get under my skin a little bit because we’re still ranked the best side in one-day cricket and No.2 in Test cricket. Until England get their heads above us in all of the table’s then superiority will be with us. Yes, they have played some good cricket against us in all forms and we’ll see where that takes them over the next few months.”

Shaun Tait’s successful return in Natwest Series has made Australian Captain to think about his return to Test Cricket. He said, “Taitie has obviously come into the group and been able to do that for us. I will be talking to him about that, yeah. I’m sure a few of our boys will be having a whisper in his ear over the next few weeks. I’m sure a few of our boys will be having a whisper in his ear over the next few weeks.”

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