Ponting confident Australia has found its all-rounder

Santhosh S

September 26, 2002

Australia's one-day captain Ricky Ponting is convinced that Shane Watson's progress is such that the search for a quality all-rounder is almost over for the world champions.

Watson had been making progress in leaps and bounds, Ponting told a media conference at the Taj Samudra Hotel in Colombo on the eve of today's ICC Champions Trophy semi-final with Sri Lanka.

"That has been one concern for us - the all-rounder's position. We have tried a few players over the last few years, they been rotated on different times. Nathan Hauritz has also been working hard over here and things are going along nicely for him," Ponting said.

Ponting also spoke about the Australian policy of having two different captains for the two versions of the game.

"Knowing the way I am about my position and knowing the way Stephen [Waugh] is about his, I know there won't be any sort of conflict. When the Test matches come around, I will obviously step aside and Stephen takes over as the boss of Australian cricket again, which is what he still is."

Ponting outlined the reasons for Australia's overwhelming success over the last decade in international cricket.

"We try to get the best out of the talent in our side. We play a fairly aggressive style of cricket, not only in one-dayers but in Test cricket as well. That is how Australian cricketers are brought up, playing that brand of cricket.

"We have a talented side, and when you have a talented side, you always try to improve yourself and look ahead," he added.

Ponting does not believe that there is a big gap between Australia and the rest of the world when it comes to cricket.

"So far the results have been good to us. We know that we are a good side, and we know that if we play to our best; we are going to be hard to beat."

Ponting also commented on the increased role of the third umpires in the ICC Champions Trophy: "I am very happy at the way it has worked. There have been minimal delays as well, which is very good as far as I am concerned."

It was during the 1996 World Cup that Australia decided to skip the games which were to be played in Sri Lanka. And most of the Islanders have not taken that issue too lightly. But, given the changing political climate in Sri Lanka and the road to peace becoming a reality, there is a sense of security all around.

Even the Aussie one-day skipper seems to enjoy the new Sri Lanka.

"This has been a fantastic tour so far. I am really surprised at the feeling and change in mood in the last few years. It is a great feeling at this moment to get around the shopping centres and the streets."

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