Ponting to tour India

Published September 21, 2007

CAPE TOWN, Sept 20: Ricky Ponting will miss the remainder of the Twenty20 World Championship but will still travel with the Australian squad to India, the team management confirmed on Thursday.

Ponting strained his hamstring while batting against Pakistan in Johannesburg on Tuesday and the captain is expected to be out of action for two to three weeks.

He will continue his rehabilitation in South Africa before departing with the team for India on Tuesday. Australia play the first of seven One-day Internationals on Sept 29 in Bangalore.

“Ponting is making excellent progress following his hamstring strain and will be coming on the tour of India and will resume playing as soon as he is medically cleared,” national selection panel convenor Andrew Hilditch said.

Wicketkeeper/batsman Brad Haddin has been named as the stand-in player for Ponting.

Meanwhile, paceman Shaun Tait will miss the tour of India due to an elbow injury, opening the way for swing bowler Ben Hilfenhaus.

Hilditch said Tait would remain in Australia to concentrate on recovering from surgery to his troublesome right elbow.—Agencies