Ricky Ponting: Former captain appointed Australia assistant coach ahead of World Cup

The appointment follows the resignation of David Saker

Ponting returns to the fold with the national team (AFP/Getty Images)

Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has been appointed assistant coach for the upcoming Cricket World Cup in England this summer.

The appointment follows the resignation of David Saker in agreement with head coach Justin Langer that it was "in the best interests of the team".

Ponting, who captained his country to two World Cup victories, will act as assistant coach to Langer for the tournament beginning on May 30, having twice served as assistant to the Twenty20 side and been part the ODI set-up last summer in England.

Cricket Australia said Pointing will focus on working with the ODI batting group as they seek to defend their title from four years ago.

Ponting believes Australia will be as tough a side to beat as any other in the competition.

"I've enjoyed my previous short-term roles with the ODI and T20 Teams but World Cups take on a whole different meaning for me," he said.

"I have enormous confidence in the players available to the selectors and know we will be as tough to beat as any team in this year's World Cup."

Ponting led Australia to World Cup wins in South Africa in 2003 and the West Indies in 2007 and was part of the team that lifted the trophy in England in 1999.

Langer said: "Ricky knows what's required to win World Cups, and I know he will be a valuable mentor to not just the batting group, but the broader squad as we focus our attention on defending our World Cup title."

Ponting will take up the role following Australia's ODI tours against India and Pakistan.

PA