Ponting quits Twenty20 internationals

Australian captain Ricky Ponting has made the shock move to retire from international Twenty20 cricket, citing his desire to keep playing Test and 50-over internationals as the reason.
Cricket Australia revealed he will remain the captain of the Australian Test and one-day sides but will step away from the international T20 scene. A formal decision regarding Ponting’s replacement as captain of the Twenty20 side will be made later in the year.
“After much thought and careful consideration I have advised Cricket Australia of my decision to retire from international Twenty20 cricket,” Ponting said in a statement.
“I have also spoken to Andrew Hilditch, Tim Nielsen and Michael Clarke and I feel this decision provides me the opportunity to prolong my Australian Test and one-day career, an opportunity I am extremely determined about.
“The last 10 or 12 days for me have been a lot about reflection, looking back to the Ashes and looking forward to my playing future,” Ponting said today.
“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.” Ponting said he still intended to play the shortest form of the game for Tasmania in the KFC Big Bash team and the Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League.
Cricket Australia Chief Executive Officer James Sutherland said CA supported Ponting’s decision.
“Needless to say he will be a huge loss to the Twenty20 side but it does present opportunities for the other players and leaders within Australian cricket to gain further experience,” Sutherland said.
“While we have not seen much of Ricky in Australia’s Twenty20 matches in recent times, his innings in the first ever Twenty20 International against New Zealand at Auckland was probably the best innings I have ever seen in the Twenty20 form of the game.”

Courtesy of smh.com.au