Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting has revealed that he plans to continue playing at the international level, and banished thoughts or recommendations of early retirement from the game.
- Ponting powers Australia to victory
"I've felt in control the two games I've played here so far," the Sydney Morning Herald quoted Ponting, as saying.
Ponting admitted his game had benefited from relinquishing the Australian captaincy after he scored a man-of-the-match, unbeaten 90 in the eight-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in Sunday's second one-day international.
It was the veteran right-hand batsman's second half-century in as many matches on the Sri Lankan tour.
'I've been able to just be that little bit fresher'
Ponting agreed his batting has been boosted by the decision to hand over the leadership.
''It probably has. The World Cup probably didn't go to plan as I would have wanted. The one-day series in Bangladesh when I wasn't captain, I felt like I played really well there and I've started this series well. There's no doubt for me to be able to turn up to training and focus on my batting and my fielding only has been nice.
"I've been able to just be that little bit fresher, I think, and I've felt in control the two games I've played here so far. Hopefully that continues for the rest of the tour,'' Ponting said.
'Up to me to be the best batsman that I could be for the side'
Ponting said he was loving just being a player and relaxing as part of the playing group despite having to give away the captaincy he treasured.
''I thought long and hard about the decision I made, obviously, but once I'd come to the conclusion that I wasn't the captain of the side any more, it was up to me to be the best batsman that I could be for the side and another pair of ears for Michael if he ever wanted them,'' Ponting said.
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