DARWIN, June 29: Australian captain Ricky Ponting on Tuesday withdrew from the first Test against Sri Lanka starting here on Thursday after the death of an aunt. Ponting flew to his home state Tasmania on Monday rather than join the team because of his aunt's illness.

A Cricket Australia spokesman said Ponting's aunt had died overnight and he would not play in the first Test of the two-match series. Vice captain Adam Gilchrist will take over the captaincy of the team for the Darwin Test and Darren Lehmann will act as his deputy.

A decision is yet to be made whether Ponting would play in the second Test in Cairns next week. Chairman of selectors Trevor Hohns unexpectedly called up Victorian batsman Matthew Elliot to replace Ponting.

Elliott last played for Australia five years ago and pushed his claims for a recall by being the leading scorer in the domestic series last summer with 1,381 at an average of 81.23.

"I'm in a bit of a spin at the moment but I'm just really excited to have this chance to be involved with the Australian team again," Elliott said. "Even if it's for only one match it's something that I'm thrilled about and I'm looking forward to whatever opportunity presents itself." Elliott has just returned from a stint with English county side Glamorgan. -AFP