Ponting backs Clark’s inclusion in selection panel

Any communication breakdowns in past could have been avoided if captain was selector: Pointing.

Ricky Ponting has endorsed the move to include Australian captain Michael Clarke in the selection panel,saying it will lead to better communication between the players and the selectors.

Ponting claimed that the communication breakdowns that affected players as Australia tumbled down the Test rankings could have been avoided if the captain had been a selector. While endorsing the captain and coach being appointed to a five-man selection panel as a result of the sweeping Argus review,Ponting said he had also wanted to be a selector when he was the Australian captain.

“Absolutely no doubt in my mind (it will be an improvement). I pushed for it for seven years,for the captain to be a selector,and it’s a really positive thing for Australian cricket and certainly for our team,” Ponting said.

“Any communication breakdowns in the past could have been avoided if the captain was a selector. I know there was negativity 10-15 years ago about the captain and coach being selectors,but I think that could have been avoided with proper communication.

“I just think the players would appreciate much more honest feedback from the captain and coach on their game and where they fit as far as selection is concerned,so I think it’ll work really well for us.”