Former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting has said he would consider the role of chairman of selectors if he gets the offer from Cricket Australia. The legendary cricketer also revealed he is open to taking a coaching role with the team.
The 41-year-old has emerged as the frontrunner to replace Rod Marsh, who resigned from the post of chairman of selectors after Australia were thrashed in the first two Tests against South Africa. Trevor Hohns has been appointed the interim chairman of selectors for the time being but speculations are rife that Ponting might bag the job on a permanent basis.
“I’d consider it and have a think about it,” Pointing told Australian Associated Press.
“I’ve said to Cricket Australia from the moment I’ve finished I’m happy to get involved somewhere and help out where I can. I love Australian cricket and some of the guys that are playing now, I played cricket with them,” he added.
The retired cricketer believes he can offer a lot to the Australian team, who is currently going through a bad phase. Steven Smith’s men have lost their last five Tests and were also whitewashed in the ODI series in South Africa.
“I’m open to discuss any role with Cricket Australia and whatever they come to me with I’ll talk to my family and if we can make it work then great because I want the best for Australian cricket and I think I’ve got a lot to offer as far as that’s concerned,” Ponting said.
The speculations about Ponting taking a major position in the Australian team has gathered steam after he stepped down as the head coach of the Indian Premier League (IPL) outfit Mumbai Indians. Meanwhile, he has also emerged as the favorite to coach the Australian Twenty20 side against Sri Lanka in February.