Ponting omission signals likely end to ODI

SYDNEY – Ricky Ponting was dropped from the Australia team because of poor form on Monday with selectors strongly indicating that his career in one-day internationals was all but over.

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

SYDNEY – Ricky Ponting was dropped from the Australia team because of poor form on Monday with selectors strongly indicating that his career in one-day internationals was all but over.The 37-year-old, the second most prolific batsmen of all time in one-day internationals with 13,704 runs since his debut in 1995, had made just 18 runs in five games in the ongoing Tri-series against India and Sri Lanka."Ricky Ponting has been dropped from the ODI side and the national selection panel has spoken about moving towards the 2015 World Cup,” chief selector John Inverarity told a televised news conference in Perth."The door is never closed on anyone but there is a strong indication there.”Inverarity said he hoped Ponting would remain available for test cricket after he had made a decision on his future in the one-day game.Ponting captained his country in tests and limited overs matches until last March and stood in as skipper for the injured Michael Clarke for the last two one-dayers.Inverarity said that had been a deliberate ploy to allow Australia to blend in young players under the watchful eye of the man who led Australia to two World Cup triumphs and won three in total.