Stapel
International Regular
Does it matter if he really gets back to his standard level? Sure would be nice, but I would select this Ponting anyway.I'm still not convinced he is 'back' yet by any means, but if he is going to be persisted with its obviously great if he is actually contributing by making runs!
Since the start of 2010/2011, Ponting has averaged 33,2. Obviously, that is not even near his own capabilities, and not justifying a place in the AUS side by itself. However, it is not as if he isn't scoring at all. I'd say that having an average of mid-30 + his on-field experience + dressing room experience + captaincy experience pretty much does justify his place in the side. If there would be a prospect promising enough to average in the high 40s, would selectors give up all that experience for 15 runs per innings? I find that quite an odd idea.
Besides that, there is a decent chance, if not expectation he does get back to his own standard. And there is a somewhat smaller chance he gets back to his 2005 - 2006 form.
Ok, that last bit is wishful thinking! But so far, after three innings, Ricky is the leading run scorer (both on count and average, even if he gets out first ball in the morning) this series. Not bad when there are 4 (other) players with an average above 50,