Ponting steps down as Australia captain

SYDNEY: Ricky Ponting, the captain of the most successful in the 134 years of Test cricket, has resigned from the Australian Test and one-day skipper on Tuesday, but will continue as a drummer with the team.

The 36-year-old, who led Australia in one day internationals since 2002 and tests since 2004, had been under increasing pressure after a defeat to England Ashes and an output quarter-finals as as champions at the World Cup.

"I was lucky long and hard about it and today I decided to resign as captain of the test team and the team a day from now," he said at a news conference at Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).

"The main reason for me is that I think is the right time.

"Pass through the Ashes series the way we did and the World Cup now over, I wanted to make sure I gave the next captain of every opportunity I could to be sure he has as much experience in the future in the next major events that we play. "

"All this being said, I said very clearly to the selectors that I am always available for selection in both forms of games, so hopefully they'll pick me up and I'm on a plane to Bangladesh in the next two days, "said Ponting, referring to Australia three ODIs against Bangladesh next month.