Australian captain Ricky Ponting has been rushed back into the side for today's third one-dayer against New Zealand. Photo / Getty Images
There is no clearer signal of the unease in Australian cricket than the late decision to rush Ricky Ponting back into the squad for today's third Chappell-Hadlee one-day international at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
The original decision to rest him for games two and three of the series,
in the interests of his long-term health, looked flawed and could even have been construed as disrespectful to New Zealand.
The flaw was only highlighted when New Zealand won a nail-biter in Perth, while Ponting was on deck, and a comfortable victory in Melbourne.
National selection panel chairman Andrew Hilditch said Ponting had been asked to rest for the Melbourne and Sydney one-dayers as part of long-term workload planning.
"However, Ricky has today [Saturday] made a strong appeal to be allowed to play given that this is a 'decider' game," Hilditch said in a Cricket Australia press release.
"Given the circumstances, we have made an on-balance decision to support his request and we will continue to monitor his workload closely.
"It should be noted that selectors were pleased with Michael Clarke's leadership and batting form in Melbourne, where he was man-of-the-match, but this decision will bolster our batting.
"We also understand Ricky's desire to lead from the front."
The New Zealand squad will take the news in its stride.
Strike bowler Kyle Mills said that, while Australia were undeniably stronger with Ponting in the side, they have specific plans to keep him under pressure for the rest of the series.
