Date:04/01/2009 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2009/01/04/stories/2009010455871400.htm

Sport - Cricket

CA defends Ponting and Hilditch

Sydney: Cricket Australia chairman Jack Clarke on Saturday threw his weight behind embattled skipper Ricky Ponting and selection panel chief Andrew Hilditch, saying the duo was being unfairly criticised in the wake of team’s Test series loss to South Africa.

Speaking on the opening day of the third and final Test of the series, which Australia has already lost after being defeated in Perth and Melbourne, Clarke said Ponting and Hilditch deserve “respect and support” for their role in the team’s success for more than a decade. — PTI