Former Aussie skipper Ricky Ponting has been appointed assistant coach of Australia’s men’s team for the upcoming ICC World Cup 2019 to be played in England later this year. Cricket Australia made the announcement on Friday.
Ponting, who guided Australia to World Cup victory twice, will work with Aussie batters from May 30 to July 14 along with current batting coach Graeme Hick.
Speaking about Ponting’s appointment, Australian head coach Justin Langer said, “Ricky knows what’s required to win World Cups, and I know he will be a valuable mentor to not just the batting group, but the broader squad as we focus our attention on defending our World Cup title.”
“Ricky and I have worked together with the Australian men’s team in the past, he is an extremely driven coach who is fully invested in the players development and improving Australian cricket,” Langer said, before adding, “He has an impressive understanding of the game, he knows what’s required to prepare and perform at the elite level, and we can’t wait for him to get started working with the squad.”
Ponting had led Australia to World Cup glory in 2003 and 2007 and was a member of Steve Waugh’s winning side in 1999.
Ponting, who has played 375 matches for Australia, has had short-term engagements with the Australian men’s limited overs team in recent years. Speaking about his appointment, Ponting said, “I’ve enjoyed my previous short-term roles with the ODI and T20 teams but World Cups take on a whole different meaning for me.”
“I have enormous confidence in the players available to the selectors and know we will be as tough to beat as any team, in this year’s World Cup.”
Earlier on Thursday, Australia’s bowling coach David Saker resigned “effective immediately”. Troy Cooley replaced Saker temporarily as Australia’s bowling coach.