Ponting ready for consequences by CricketArchive Staff Reporter

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Player:	RT Ponting
Event:	Australia in British Isles 2009

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DateLine: 24th August 2009

 

Australia skipper Ricky Ponting is bracing himself to face the reaction of the Australian public when he arrives back home alone, without the Ashes.

 

Ponting will leave the tour, as previously planned, to spend some time Down Under while his team prepare for the limited-overs leg.

 

He will be back in time for the closing stages of the seven-match NatWest Series.

 

But before then, Ponting knows he will have some explaining to do for the many supporters who - like him - must try to come to terms with the 197-run Oval defeat that gave England a 2-1 npower series success and saw Australia drop to fourth in the world rankings.

 

"I'll find out in a day and a half when I get off the plane.

 

"I'll be answering some questions. You always do when you lose a game or a series like this. It's part of the job, what leaders are expected to do."

 

Ponting though sid that this soul-searching will never involve any crisis of confidence in his own ability.

 

"I've never doubted myself on anything I've ever done when I've had the baggy green cap on," he said.

 

"I always get out there and accept challenges the best that I can."

 

Despite the passing encouragement of a 127-run third-wicket stand with Michael Hussey (121), Ponting and co were bowled out for 348 on the fourth evening - in vain pursuit of a world-record 546 run chase.

 

But Ponting has no doubt either that this summer's Ashes losers have it in them to bounce back.

 

"I'm comfortable with where we are at. We've been rebuilding for 12 to 18 months," he said.

 

"These are guys who have a few Tests under their belts and are still learning about the game.

 

"They all should be a lot better off for being part of this series.

 

"We're definitely heading in the right direction, and I'm really proud of the guys."