Slump part of the process: Ponting

Drawing parallels with the 0-3 whitewash at the hands of New Zealand ahead of the 2007 World Cup in the West Indies,Ponting reminded that his team were lambasted after that defeat but went on to win the World Cup without losing a game. “Australia have not lost a game at the past two World Cups and that didn’t happen by accident,but I wonder if anybody remembers the 2007 one-day series against New Zealand over there,” he said.

“I didn’t go because my back was playing up,Adam Gilchrist was rested. We lost 3-0 and I remember the criticism of the team,but it was part of a plan to ensure our better players were ready for the tournament.”

Ponting said the team are in a similar situation right now. “(Now) there’s been criticism about me not playing the next few games,but it’s all about the bigger picture. (Moreover) people have to be a little patient with some of the younger players. They are long-term investments. In this game there are going to be steps forward and steps backward,” he added.

‘Symonds will be back’

Meanwhile Ponting hoped that all-rounder Andrew Symonds would return to the national team soon. “Everything he has said is obviously pretty positive about wanting to represent Australia again. We’re all cricketers,we all want to play as many games for Australia as we can,” he said.