MELBOURNE, Feb 16: Ricky Ponting was named as the surprise choice to succeed Steve Waugh as Australia’s new one-day captain Saturday.

Ponting was given the job ahead of Adam Gilchrist and Shane Warne, who have both previously captained Australia, in an unexpected development following the shock removal of Waugh three days earlier.

The 27-year-old Tasmanian will take control of the side for next month’s limited-overs series in South Africa as Australia start preparations for their defence of the World Cup in 2003.

Waugh, 36, will remain as Australia’s Test skipper while Gilchrist, who had served as Waugh’s deputy in recent seasons, was retained as vice-captain for both Tests and one-dayers.

Australia’s most senior cricket official, Australian Cricket Board (ACB) chairman Bob Merriman, said the four-man selection panel — Trevor Hohns, Allan Border, David Boon and Andrew Hilditch — were unanimous in their support for Ponting.

“That was their choice and the board were prepared to accept that and go along with it,” Merriman said.

Ponting said it was a great thrill to be the first Australia captain from Tasmania state.

“I really did think I was probably the least likely of the three to get the job,” Ponting said.

“Hopefully I’ve got it now for a long time to come.

“I would like to continue playing aggressive, attacking cricket and be very open with my team mates.

“The last couple of years I think I’ve matured a lot as a cricketer and as a person so everyone around recognises and notices that.”

ACB chief executive James Sutherland said the decision had the potential to unsettle the preparations of Gilchrist and Warne for the Test series against South Africa which starts next week.

The choice of Ponting as new captain was a clear indication of Australia’s intention to start rebuilding a new-look side ahead of next year’s World Cup in South Africa.

Hohns, the most senior of Australia’s four selectors, made it clear during the week it was time for change and more sackings were likely to follow when the rest of the squad was named soon.

Gilchrist was the favourite to succeed Waugh after serving under him for the past few seasons, although there were strong reservations about how the extra workload might affect him.

Warne was the second favourite. The 32-year-old had captained Australia 11 times previously, winning 10 matches, but fell out of favour with the board after a series of off-the-field indiscretions.

However, there were signs the board’s attitude towards the leg-spinner was softening when he was named vice-captain for a match last month which Gilchrist missed.

Ponting, named this week as Australia’s one-day player of the year, has long been seen as a possible successor to Waugh but has also been troubled by off-the-field problems and possesses only limited leadership experience.

Merriman said the gamble of picking Ponting as Australia’s new one-day captain was sure to draw a mixed response but he was confident the public would support the decision.

PONTING SURPRISED: Meanwhile, Ponting says he was convinced he would be overlooked for the job in favour of Gilchrist.