Ricky Ponting named Australia's assistant coach for T20Is
Cricket great and former Australian captain Ricky Ponting has been appointed Australia's assistant coach for the upcoming T20I tri-series against New Zealand and England later this month. The 43-year-old will assist head coach and former team-mate Darren Lehmann; he will look to set straight Australia's poor record in the shortest format of the game. Here's more.
Ponting to assist Lehmann during T20 tri-series
With Australia taking on the Proteas in March in a Test series, Darren Lehmann's regular team of assistants will be heading to South Africa to prepare for the series. Hence, Ricky Ponting will join the backroom staff along with women's head coach, Matthew Mott and head of the national performance program, Troy Cooley for the series against New Zealand and England.
Ponting keen on coaching Australia
The role, for now, is temporary but the Australian legend is open to the possibility of taking up the job as a full-time position. Ponting was recently appointed head coach of Indian Premier League franchise Delhi Daredevils and had won the IPL title as the coach of Mumbai Indians. He is also on the commentary panel of the Big Bash League.
Ponting keen on reviving Australia's fortunes
For a team that boasts the likes of Australian superstars like David Warner and Steven Smith, the men from down under are ranked at a lowly 7th position in the T20 rankings. Ponting is keen on improving this record and win them the ICC World T20 trophy, the only major piece of silverware that is missing from their trophy cabinet.
Ponting back for second stint as assistant coach
This is Ponting's second stint as the assistant coach of the Australian national team. Last year he joined Jason Gillespie and worked under stand-in head coach Justin Langer while the rest of the coaching staff was on duty with the Australian Test squad. The three-week-long tri-series will start on the 3rd of February.
