BRISBANE, Nov 28: Former captain Ricky Ponting gave a ringing endorsement of Australian cricket’s new selection and squad policies on Monday, saying it should have happened a decade ago.

Ponting was enthusiastic in his support for his successor Michael Clarke and new coach Mickey Arthur being selectors in a major revamp.

New selection chief John Inverarity has signalled a change in youth and rotation Test team policies, while Cricket Australia has appointed former rugby administrator Pat Howard as its high-performance manager.

Ponting said cricket was taking a more professional track under the new regime.

“I think it’s terrific. I think it’s the way the game should have gone a long, long time ago.

“I think the way things have turned out at the moment is what [former coach] John Buchanan was asking for 10 years ago. It’s a much more professional approach.

“We’ve got quality people in and around the team and I think, even already now, we’re starting to see just a slightly different feel and a few different results as a result of that.

“I think Australian cricket is definitely on the right track.”

Ponting revealed during Australia’s tour to Sri Lanka two months ago that he had wanted to become a selector when he replaced former skipper Steve Waugh in 2004.

He felt Clarke was in a better position as a selector as he would have more control of the team to go along with the amount of responsibility that captaincy brings.—AFP