By IANS
Sydney : Australian captain Ricky Ponting is in doubt for next week’s Twenty20 World Championship in South Africa due to “private family reasons”, while Australia are also monitoring a hamstring problem for Shane Watson.
The two stayed back in Australia when the team flew to South Africa Monday and Stuart Clark also postponed his departure to care for his ill son.
Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland said Ponting’s absence was due to a family issue that had arisen over the weekend. He said a decision on whether Ponting would join the team in time for their opening match of the tournament, against Zimbabwe next Wednesday, would be made in a few days.
“The situation is expected to be clearer later in the week, at which time Ponting’s availability would be re-assessed,” Sutherland said.
“Any decision on whether or not a squad replacement is needed will be assessed at that time as well.”
Wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist will fill in as captain if required but he said Ponting would probably not miss any matches.
“I’ve spoken to Punter. He’s said he’s most likely at the moment going to join us in a few days time, but we’ll just wait and see how things pan out in the next couple of days,” Gilchrist told the media before departure.
Watson developed soreness in his left hamstring – the same one that sidelined him for the entire Ashes series – at training Sunday. Team physio Alex Kountouris said a scan had cleared Watson of any significant damage.
“He will remain in Brisbane and will be monitored over the next two to three days with the view of him joining the squad later in the week, if he improves sufficiently,” Kountouris said.
Clark will stay at home until his son’s condition improves but Australia are hopeful he and Watson will both join the squad later this week.
“We’re heading over a little light in numbers, but I think everything will be fine,” Gilchrist said.
“In a few days time when things settle, we’ll most likely get the three players that aren’t travelling with us today back, so I’m sure everything should settle down midweek.”