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MELBOURNE - Former Australian cricket captain Steve Waugh warns that Ricky Ponting is opening himself up to "question marks" by taking a break.
Ponting will be rested from the next two one-day matches against New Zealand after featuring in every game this summer, Waugh stressed it was a personal choice for Ponting to take some time out, but pointed out that international players are taking advantage of more opportunities.
(With) the players choosing to play the IPL and choosing all these other opportunities, there's got to be question marks thrown up when people say they want to rest," Waugh said.
"They're committing to play more cricket.
"Really, Ricky is the only one who can answer that - is he mentally and physically fatigued, is he better off having a couple of games (out), will he come back fresher and stronger for the team?" It is a novel question for Waugh to consider, because he was loathe to rest when he led the team.
"I really don't know, because I think as a captain I didn't rest, so we didn't really throw that scenario up," he said.
"I'm not really sure who has the ultimate decision."
Waugh is more confident that young New South Wales opener Phil Hughes has done enough to justify selection for the South Africa tour.
Again, Waugh was quick to say there were several strong contenders for an opening batsman spot.
But he likes Hughes' ability so far to perform under pressure.
"He's much more ready to play at 20 than I was, looking at the way he plays the game," Waugh said.
"He's got fantastic temperament ... that, at the top level, is probably the main ingredient.
"I think he's got the goods.
"They wouldn't be doing anything wrong by picking him ... I'd pick him."
- AAP
