IANS

Melbourne, Sep 7: Australian cricket captain Ricky Ponting announced Monday that he will retire from international Twenty20 matches.

Ponting will remain captain of the Australian Test and one-day sides but will step away from the international Twenty20 matches in an effort to prolong his playing career.

Ponting said: "After much thought and careful consideration I have advised Cricket Australia of my decision to retire from international Twenty20 cricket.

"I have also spoken to (chief selector) Andrew Hilditch, Tim Nielsen (coach) and Michael Clarke (vice-captain) and I feel this decision provides me the opportunity to prolong my Australian Test and one-day career, an opportunity I am extremely determined about."

Ponting said that he took the decision after the fifth Ashes Test in London and hoped that it would boost his Test and ODI career.

"I will now have set periods of rest throughout the Australian summer and while touring which I feel will be very beneficial.

"While I will no longer be available for Australian Twenty20 cricket, I look forward to playing with Tasmania's KFC Big Bash team where possible and to fulfilling my contract with the Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League," said Ponting.

Cricket Australia Chief Executive Officer James Sutherland said: "We are very supportive of the decision Ricky has made and understanding of the reasons behind it. Needless to say he will be a huge loss to the Twenty20 side but it does present opportunities for the other players and leaders within Australian cricket to gain further experience."