DURBAN, March 16: Australia captain Ricky Ponting said he and his squad had been surprised by Shaun Pollock’s sacking as South Africa skipper on Saturday.

“We don’t know what’s going on in the South African camp, but I’m pretty shocked, and everyone in our dressing room was pretty shocked as well,” he said.

Ponting argued it was hard to judge other team captains since so much player-management work was done behind the scenes, adding: “You only play them in a few games every now and again.

“Listening to Shaun Pollock even through this tournament he said he has been captain for three years and he’s still learning.

“I’m sure in three years I’ll still be learning as well.”—Reuters