Cricket: Ponting gives Clarke the OK

Ricky Ponting has endorsed Michael Clarke as his successor to captain Australia's Twenty20 side.

Cricket Australia is yet to announce who will lead the team following Ponting's decision to retire from Twenty20 internationals to concentrate on his test and one-day career.

But Ponting believes the 28-year-old Clarke, who was skipper for Australia's first three one-day internationals against England, has earned his stripes.

"Michael has done a terrific job in my absence," Ponting said. "He's continued to grow as a player and a leader.

"I know Cricket Australia said at my announcement they'd wait until later in the year before they name the captain but Michael's done everything right and deserves the first crack at it."

Ponting will continue to lead the test and one-day teams, including for the remainder of Australia's seven-match one-day series in England, having returned from a post-Ashes break.

Coach Tim Nielsen was due to head home after the fourth one-dayer at Lord's overnight for a rest ahead of the Champions Trophy later this month.

Specialist bowling coach Troy Cooley will fill.

"It's hard work for every single one of us when you're on the road for as long as we are, and the coach has obviously been through the ringer as much as any of the players have over the last few months," Ponting said.

"To give him the chance to get away and freshen up is a great idea."

Amid a relentless schedule of international fixtures, rotating players is becoming more common.

England have opted to rest batsman and part-time bowler Paul Collingwood and paceman James Anderson for three and two matches respectively in the series against Australia.

England coach Andy Flower defended the decision, despite his team trailing the Australians 3-0 going into the fourth ODI.

"It is an exciting opportunity for a couple of other guys to step into those roles and do them well," Flower said.

"They both need a rest, they are picking up physical niggles, they have been in the spotlight a long time and they need a break from that."

- AAP