Ricky Ponting to join Australia coaching staff ahead of WC2019

Former skipper Ricky Ponting had previously worked as an assistant with Australia’s T20 side in early 2018 and 2017 and won two World Cup titles in campaigns in 2003 and 2007

In a major boost to a struggling Australia, former skipper Ricky Ponting will join team’s coaching staff with batting coach Graeme Hick for the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup, scheduled to be held in England this year.

The Cricket Australia (CA) confirmed the development on Friday stating that Ponting will work alongside coach Justin Langer at the World Cup in June and July. The announcement came a day after David Saker resigned as Australia’s fast-bowling coach, effective immediately.

Terming Ponting’s appointment as the part of ‘changes to the coaching structure’ the CA's interim High-Performance Executive General Manager Belinda Clark said, “This appointment also provides an opportunity for Graeme Hick to focus on preparation for the Ashes. With two major events back to back we believe it is important to focus on a number of staff specifically on one event. The appointment of Ricky is a part of this overall strategy.”

“Ricky will assist Justin across a number of key areas including strategy and game-plan, but he will also work closely with and mentor the batting group as they prepare for the English conditions,” Clark added

Head coach Justin Langer also welcomed Ricky Ponting to the team and stated that the former skipper knows how to win World Cups.

"Ricky knows what’s required to win World Cups, and I know he will be a valuable mentor to not just the batting group, but the broader squad as we focus our attention on defending our World Cup title,” Langer said in a statement.

44-year-old had previously worked as an assistant with Australia’s T20 side in early 2018 and 2017. The legendary Australian skipper has won two World Cup titles in campaigns in 2003 and 2007 and was also part of the side that won the 1999 title.