Former Australian captain Ian Chappell today asked skipper Ricky Ponting to step down from the post and called for immediate changes in the team to arrest the continuing slide which has been highligted by the quarterfinal exit from the World Cup.
The three-time defending champions crashed out of the event with a five-wicket loss against India despite Ponting striking an inspiring hundred after being out of form for months.
Chappell said it is the right time for Ponting to step down. "It is time," he was quoted as saying by 'The Australian'. "I have said all along that this summer was it for Ricky Ponting as a captain, I felt that the end of the Ashes was the right time for him to end his Test captaincy and they were quite right to let him have the opportunity to defend his title at the World Cup - he has won two on the trot.
"But, now it's time, if you are going to have a new team there is not much point having the same captain," he added. Chappell said for the team to reclaim the form that made it intimidating in the past two decades, changes will have to be made.
"It is time to do some rebuilding, you are a looking at a four-year cycle. There are some good young cricketers out there and this could well be just the opportunity they are looking for to get a chance.
{{/usCountry}}"It is time to do some rebuilding, you are a looking at a four-year cycle. There are some good young cricketers out there and this could well be just the opportunity they are looking for to get a chance.
{{/usCountry}}I think it is time for proper rebuilding." Spin legend Shane Warne also called for changes in the team but said Ponting should be allowed to decide whether he wants to stay on or quit. "Whatever decision is made, either way, let Ricky decide. He will have Australian cricket's interest in mind in his decision-making process," Warne said.