Ricky’s our T20 answer

A FEW weeks back, I suggested less international T20s so our best players could always be available to play.

My theory is actually don’t cram the schedule with meaningless short-form games, keep the shortest format as domestic only.

What we have learnt recently is that it’s not going to be the case moving forward.

We will regularly in the future have our T20 team playing at the same time as our Test team.

Given the circumstances we are presented with, it’s time we split the head coaching roles immediately and Ricky Ponting takes charge with his own specialist team in the shortest format.

Our record in the T20 has been poor.

It’s time we get serious and allocate dedicated time to setting up professionally off-field and then picking a specialist team to win the T20 World Cup to be held in Australia.

If our Test players don’t play in our Big Bash competition, then they should not be considered for our T20 team.

It is a specialist format with more tactics and strategy than any other format of the game.

It requires players with dedicated specific roles to execute game plans and match-ups.

Obviously Mitchell Starc and David Warner are two players who should be in Ponting’s plans and, if so, they need to play in the Big Bash.

Ponting has been brilliant with his analysis of the game on the Big Bash coverage and is once again coaching in the Indian Premier League.

He should be appointed now and start a calculated preparation with his plans and his own team.

The second issue of debate is the T20 captaincy. Steve Smith wants to resume the role but strong debate remains around this issue.

He was rested this current T20 series after an Ashes summer and allowed Warner the chance to lead.

Although Warner has hit a lean patch with the bat, he must remain in the team as he is a vital cog at the top of the order.

Smith is the best Test batsman in the world, but it is open for debate as to whether he is in our best top six batsmen in the short game.

His strike rate of 122 is reasonable, but well below that of more specialist players in this format.

Ponting’s first assignment as head coach may involve a tough conversation with our Test captain.