Embattled Australia captain Ricky Ponting says his fate is now in selectors' hands but urged them not to "clear the decks" following his team's quarter-final exit from the cricket World Cup. Ponting's fighting century during Australia's loss to India on Thursday helped salvage his batting reputation but questions remain over the 36-year-old's playing future as administrators undertake a comprehensive review into the national teams' performance.
"It is fair to say that we need to examine our performances in depth and begin to plan for the future," Ponting wrote in his column in The Australian newspaper on Saturday. "A clear-the-decks policy is fraught with danger. Young players need to be nurtured and the best way for that to be done is with senior guys around them. "If you want to know what experience brings in crucial times, look at the performance of Brett Lee in this tournament," added Ponting, referring to his fast bowler who took 13 wickets to lead the Australian attack.