Ponting could be dumped as captain: report

SYDNEY: Ricky Ponting may be the last week of his nine-year reign as captain, after an accumulation of difficulties at the World Cup, a report said Tuesday, citing an official cricket in Australia.
The Sydney Morning Herald said there was strong opposition at the direction of the 36-year, retaining the job for a tour of Bangladesh next month, although its position as an actor was not in danger .
"We should be looking to the future. It is time for us to make a change, "the newspaper quoted the official as saying.
Before the World Cup, Ponting won the dubious distinction of being the only Australian skipper did not win the Ashes three times, put under enormous pressure.
He also promotes itself does in India, taking a rebuke from the International Cricket Council after the destruction of a television housed in a fit of rage after being crushed in Australia in the World Cup on Zimbabwe .
It was also criticized for anger to throw the ball to the ground after a collision with teammate Steve Smith during their victory over Canada.
Then his sportsmanship was questioned when he failed to walk in on Saturday
defeat in Pakistan.
"We expect the next thing to explode, " the official said. "We're not a game without a few problems with him."
Michael Clarke, who led Australia to an emphatic 6-1 win one-day series against England to give them a boost after the reduction in post-ash, is considered favorite to take his post.
Australians against India on Thursday's World Cup quarter-final in Ahmedabad. (AFP)