Ricky Ponting To Be Appointed As Australia's T20 Coach

Ricky Ponting, the former Australia captain, is in line to take up the job of coach of Australian T20I side, a report in Cricket.com.au suggests.

The news has come out a few days after Ponting had denied reports of coaching an IPL team, which further bolsters his chances of getting this job. There were reports that Ponting might coach Delhi Daredevils in the upcoming season.

If appointed, this will be Ponting’s second stint with the T20I side as earlier as well, he was associated with the team during the three matches T20I series against Sri Lanka. The Australia Test team was in India to play the four-match series at the same time and a new coaching panel was set up so as to assist the team.

The Justin Langer headed panel comprised of Ponting as Batting Coach and Jason Gillespie – former Aussie pacer – as the bowling coach. Ponting also has experience of working with an IPL time, which will come handy if he takes over coaching job.

He officially joined Mumbai Indians’ backroom staff in 2014 and continued to be linked with the franchise until 2016, after which Mahela Jayawardene took over the job.

If Ponting is given the job with the National side, then it can also see him becoming next Head Coach of the side as Darren Lehmann – the present coach – has decided to step down from the duty in 2019. Ponting, one of the most successful captains at international level, will be a strong contender to replace Lehmann in that case.

There are likes of Langer, David Sekar, and Shane Warne to take up the job too. Langer though has denied taking up job at present but he cannot be ruled out of the race. Sekar, on the other hand, has performed the duty on Australia’s tour of India in September – October, hence, he will be a contender too. Warne has already confirmed that he would like to take up the job.

Though Cricket Australia is yet to come up with an official confirmation regarding Ponting, there are bright chances of this event happening, looking at the current situation. The new coach is likely to be there with the team until 2020, the year when next T20 World Cup will be played in Australia, only.