Ponting to lead Australia at Champions Trophy

Captain Ricky Ponting, vice captain Michael Clarke and six other members of the Australia team at risk of losing the Ashes were named Saturday in the country's 15-man Champions Trophy limited-overs squad.

Captain Ricky Ponting, vice captain Michael Clarke and six other members of the Australia team at risk of losing the Ashes were named Saturday in the country's 15-man Champions Trophy limited-overs squad.

HT Image

Wicketkeeper Brad Haddin, Michael Hussey, allrounder Shane Watson and bowlers Ben Hilfenhaus, Mitchell Johnson and Peter Siddle were also included in the squad for the Champions Trophy in South Africa from September 22-October 5.

Australia, as defending champions, will play its first match in Group A against West Indies on September 26. It plays India on September 28 and Pakistan on September 30 to complete the first round. The one-day event will be Australia's next assignment after the current tour of England. In the deciding test, Australia trails by 172 runs on first innings, with England to resume its second innings Saturday at 58-3.

Australia squad: Ricky Ponting (captain), Michael Clarke (vice-captain), Nathan Bracken, Callum Ferguson, Brad Haddin, Nathan Hauritz, Ben Hilfenhaus, James Hopes, Michael Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Brett Lee, Peter Siddle, Adam Voges, Shane Watson, Cameron White.