Ponting wants to stay on as Australian captain

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MELBOURNE: Beleaguered Ricky Ponting said Wednesday he wanted to play on and captain his country despite his unwanted cricket epithet as the only Australian skipper to fail to win the Ashes three times.

Speculation has been fuelled during the ill-fated fourth Melbourne Test that Ponting's time might be up after a run of low scores and disciplinary issues in the twilight of a celebrated playing career.

England clinched a comprehensive innings and 157-run victory Wednesday to retain the Ashes ahead of next week's final Test in Sydney, where they will chase a first series win Down Under for 24 years.

Ponting, 36, Test cricket's second-greatest run-getter, has had a dire series, making just 113 runs in eight innings at an average of 16, prompting calls for his removal as captain.

But Ponting said he had no plans to step down and stated his case to stay on as skipper for the Sydney Test.

"The selectors are meeting this afternoon with a view to naming the team for Sydney. It's out of my control," Ponting told a post-match press conference.

"I probably haven't got much of a case at the moment (but) I've got a lot of knowledge on the game.

"The fact that I've played 150 Tests and won 99 Tests as a player and a captain. I've captained a lot of winning teams. There is no doubt that the experiences I have in the game will hold me in good stead.

"I feel I am well equipped to bring on some young guys and we have got a few of them in the side now."

If selectors feel it is time to move Ponting aside then it is likely that his vice-captain Michael Clarke will take over, either in Sydney or beyond.

"Whatever decision I make, it's really important it's for the betterment of Australian cricket," he said.

"I want to keep playing, I would love to keep leading the team, I still think I've got a lot to offer in both those regards."

Ponting said he wanted to be known for more than just being the Australian captain who lost the Ashes three times.

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