Ponting to lead Prime Minister's XI

Melbourne, Jan 11 (IANS) Australian batting legend Ricky Ponting, who retired from international cricket in December, will lead the Prime Minister’s XI against the West Indians in a 50-over game Jan 29, ahead of the West Indies’ five-match One-Day International (ODI) bilateral series.

Wicket-keeper Brad Haddin has been named the vice-captain. It will be the first game under lights at the Manuka Oval, Canberra.

The full squad is: Ricky Ponting (Captain), Brad Haddin (Vice-captain), Fawad Ahmed, Jono Dean, Alex Doolan, James Faulkner, Peter Handscomb, Usman Khawaja, Kane Richardson, Gurinder Sandhu, Ashton Turner, Nick Winter (12th man).

The match will be Prime Minister Julia Gillard’s third as chief selector.

“We are hoping that the Canberra skies will be clear for this historic occasion, that being the first match played under lights at Manuka Oval,” Gilliard said.

National selection panel chairman John Inverarity said: “Ricky Ponting and Brad Haddin are two players who bring with them leadership and enormous experience on the international stage, and will be excellent drawcards.”

The bilateral series between Australia and West Indies starts at Perth Feb 1.