Ponting joins Australia’s coaching ranks

RICKY Ponting has been appointed as an assistant coach for Australia’s looming World Cup campaign.

Ponting will work with Australia’s limited overs batsmen, with regular batting coach Graeme Hick to focus on batting preparations for this year’s Ashes Test series against England.

A five-time World Cup combatant, including three as captain, he will also help head coach Justin Langer with game plan strategy.

“Ricky knows what’s required to win World Cups and I know he will be a valuable mentor to not just the batting group, but the broader squad,” Langer said yesterday.

“He has an impressive understanding of the game, he knows what’s required to prepare and perform at the elite level, and we can’t wait for him to get started working with the squad.”

Ponting, who has previously worked short-term with Australia’s ODI and Twenty20 squads, will start his new role after Australia’s limited overs series against India and Pakistan.

Australia’s World Cup campaign starts on June 1.