Ponting averaged 99 in three first-class games with Somerset in 2004

Ricky Ponting, whose future as Australia captain has been increasingly questioned, plans to retire from international cricket after the World Cup, jumping before he is pushed - and wants to finish his career playing for an English county side. But the 36-year-old, who played for Somerset in 2004, may have to wait until 2012 as many counties have already finalised their overseas players for this summer.
Full story: Daily Mail

Meanwhile, players' union chief Paul Marsh has branded the anonymous Cricket Australia official who told the Sydney Morning Herald on Tuesday that Ponting could be replaced as skipper before the forthcoming tour of Bangladesh as "gutless" and "irresponsible". The Australian Cricketers' Association chief executive said: "If a senior official is going to make such inflammatory comments about our national captain, and one of this country's greatest ever players, how about having the guts to at least put your name to them."
Full story: The Age (Melbourne)

However, another member of the 14-strong Cricket Australia board insists they "haven't even discussed Ricky's future as captain, so for us it's business as usual". Ponting is also reported to have the support of at least six of the 14 panel members, including former greats Mark Taylor and Matthew Hayden.
Full story: Courier Mail (Brisbane)

This story will be updated throughout the day.

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