Clarke tips big things from Ponting

Michael Clarke believes Ricky Ponting's tendency to fire in the biggest contests will be the spark to overcome a long-term period as a batting mortal. Ponting wants to forget the past year, which included a tenderised elbow courtesy of Kemar Roach, and in his past four series has 681 runs at 40.05, figures inflated by a double-century against Pakistan.

Clarke, the vice-captain, has watched his leader closely in the nets and spots encouraging signs before huge Test series against India and England, and next year's World Cup. "He's a wonderful leader and been an amazing player for such a long time, and he always plays his best cricket in big tournaments," he said. "I know he is excited about the next eight months."

It is not unusual for elite players to ease off in intensity during smaller series, but it was strange for Ponting's standards to slip so much against Pakistan in England (average of 24.5), West Indies (34) and New Zealand (23). The only time he broke free was against Pakistan, with his 209 - he was dropped before he scored - pushing his mean up to 63. Since the 2006-07 Ashes series his overall average has dropped from nudging 60 to 54.66.

Ponting, 35, insists he has more to show. "Last year for me Test-wise is one of those years where I look back and almost write it off," he said. "I think I got run out three times, got caught at bat-pad three times. I am working as hard as I have ever worked, if I am averaging 54 now I have to push that up again, up to a level I know I am capable of playing at. That's the great challenge for me."

Since Roach roughed up Ponting at the WACA, bowlers around the world have sensed an opportunity with short balls. "They have probably changed the way they bowl at me as a result of the start of last summer in Australia," he said. "I am probably getting more short bowling than I used to get as a result of getting hit on the elbow."

He has no plans to move from No.3 and said it was nothing to do with ego. "I feel when I am playing well that I am the best person for that role," he said. "I will work hard, try and take my chances and be the player I want to be."

After Ponting comes Clarke, following his switching of spots with Michael Hussey for the Pakistan series. Now 29, Clarke said his position in the line-up isn't important, but the move is significant as it puts him closer to the No.3 role that he needs to star in if he is to become one of the game's best.

"When I was younger where I batted was probably more important to me but now it doesn't bother me," he said. "It's about whatever Ricky thinks and best suits the team ... I am not really stressed about it. I am pretty carefree about wherever I bat and I am going to play the way I want to play, I am going to try and be as successful as I can."

During Ponting's tough times Clarke said he has been available to take on extra duties. International captains, even those in charge of only two formats, can be over-loaded easily, stealing concentration from their batting.

Clarke is starting to know what that is like with extra glare on his Twenty20 strike-rate when he is in charge of that team. "I make it very clear to [Ponting] that anything he needs I am there for him 24-7," he said. "Anything he needs off the field, on the field, I will be there for him."