The disappointing batting form of Ricky Ponting in the ongoing tri-series was in sharp focus as Australia coach Mickey Arthur spoke here on Saturday.
Ponting has made just 11 runs in four innings and Australia, losing back-to-back ODIs, is feeling the heat.
Arthur said, “I would like to have him (Ponting) in the team all the time, but every cricketer's currency is his performance, because it is that which gets him in the team.
“But Ponting is a fantastic role model, is inspirational, still trains the hardest, and still shows much intensity.
“To be totally honest, I think Ricky (Ponting) is a little jaded, like a couple of our Test players who have played all summer. But that is international cricket, you still have to find a way to make your performance count.”
Arthur quickly added, “Ricky is a champion, a class act and you cannot write off someone like him.
“He has faced these situations before and had a fantastic Test series against India. I hope he turns it around tomorrow.”
Fatigue factor
The Australian coach believed the fatigue of playing cricket all summer and all the travelling and playing in the tri-series was taking its toll.
“We have pushed the guys incredibly hard in terms of our intensity and expectations this summer.
“But we know what the schedule is and we have to make sure that we manage them correctly and get them firing tomorrow.”
On the issue of David Warner not being elevated to captaincy, Arthur said, “We want Dave (Warner) to grow as a leader, we saw huge potential in him. But he's not ready yet, he knows that and we have communicated that to him.”
Arthur elaborated, “We wanted him to be a part of the leadership group, learn as Michael (Clarke) and I strategise. But he is not ready to take the guys onto the field now.”
Vinay impressive
Meanwhile, India paceman Vinay Kumar has been impressive. In four games in the tri-series, he has nine wickets at 20.11 (economy rate 4.89).
But the industrious Vinay wants to perform better. “I feel I could have given 10 runs less in each of the four games. I don't worry much about what people say. I want to go out there and give my best, whether I am playing for India or Karnataka.”
The 28-year-old paceman said, “The faith shown by the coach and the bowling coach has really helped me. I want to keep things simple and be consistent.”
Vinay felt he was bowling at an increased pace now. “The ball is coming out of the hand at a good pace but I need to work on my consistency.”
He has moved the ball away from the batsman, sent down effective off-cutters, and bowled clever slower balls.
Battered by David Warner in the Perth Test, Vinay is now showing why he is such a capable limited-over bowler.
