Born: 19/12/74 Team: Tasmania Test debut: v Sri Lanka at Perth, 1995/96 ODI debut: v South Africa at Wellington, 1994/95 Vice-captain Right-hand batsman Right-arm off-break bowler

Australia's one-day skipper was anointed Steve Waugh's heir apparent when he was elevated to Test vice-captain for this tour.

Ponting has always been a competent batsman and like all good Australians, is a difficult player to dismiss once settled at the crease.

He had a mixed Ashes series against England having begun well with two centuries and a half century before his form dipped in the last two matches.

The Tasmanian's highest score of 197 came against Pakistan at the Waca in 1999.