>Ricky Ponting resigns from Captainship

Australia’s most successful captain, Ricky Ponting has resigned from Australia’s captain in both Tests and ODIs following their quarter-final exit from the World Cup but will be available for selection as a batsman in both formats.

Michael Clarke is expeted to take over as the captain, after Ponting’s resignation.

“Today I’ve decided to stand down as captain of the test team and the one-day team as of now.

The main reason for me is I think it’s the right time … I wanted to make sure that I gave the next captain every opportunity I possibly could to make sure he has as much experience going forward in the next couple of big events that we will play.

I will continue to play and am available for both the one day and test teams” He told the press conference in SCG.

Ricky Ponting was criticized after his team lost Ashes to England, and now when Australia are out of the World Cup, he was under immense pressure to quit.

Under his captainship, Australia had played 77 tests and won 48 out of them, most for any captain. He also captained Australia for 228 ODIs and won 164 out of them. He was the captain of the team who won World Cups in 2003 and 2007.

With his decision on Tuesday, the era of the most successful captain has come to and end.