For all the criticism that Ricky Ponting is facing for his poor form, he is unlikely to be sacked from Australia's captaincy as selector Greg Chappell says there are no worthy replacements for the job.
"If we're going to replace Ricky, we've got to make sure we've got someone that we're confident has the right frame of mind who can take over and do a good job," Chappell told 'Nine News'.
"And I don't know that we've got somebody that we feel we want to rush Ricky Ponting out the door at this moment. There is nobody absolutely ready for it. I don't think there are too many other players I'd want to put that pressure on," he said.
Ponting has been struggling for form in the Ashes series against England which is currently tied 1-1 after three matches. His poor form has invited widespread criticism but Chappell said the veteran batsman will come good with the bat very soon.
"I would love Ricky Ponting to be there for the next couple of years as we bring other batters through, he's a good leader," Chappell said.
{{/usCountry}}"I would love Ricky Ponting to be there for the next couple of years as we bring other batters through, he's a good leader," Chappell said.
{{/usCountry}}"You'd have to think very long and hard before you got rid of that resource," he added.
Chappell said he would talk Ponting out of any retirement plan at least at this stage.
"He might consider it but I would certainly be counselling him against that."
But Chappell admitted that his captaincy could be in threat if Australia lose the Ashes.
"'Yes, it is, but not terminal."