Australia's cricket captain, Ricky Ponting, speaks to journalists during a news conference at The Oval yesterday. - REUTERS
LONDON (Reuters):
AUSTRALIA CAPTAIN Ricky Ponting says he should not be made into a scapegoat if his side loses the Ashes.
Ponting was asked by reporters whether he feared for his job if the world champions failed to retain the Ashes by winning the fifth and final Test against England at The Oval, which starts this morning.
"I would hate to think if we lost this series it is only my fault, all coming back to me," Ponting said.
"I have never been one who has sat back and taken all the accolades when the team has gone well. I think it would be unfair if it was my fault we lose this Ashes series."
Australia have held the Ashes for the past eight series. A draw at The Oval will mean England regaining them for the first time since 1986-87.
LEADERSHIP UNDER FIRE
Ponting's leadership has been criticised in comparison with that of England captain Michael Vaughan. He also lost his composure and was fined for a furious outburst after being dismissed in the fourth Test.
"Around the team I would have thought I have done most things right along the way," said Australia's captain.
"Maybe I haven't scored as many runs as I would have liked but at different times I think I have batted quite well.
"The plans have all been there but whether it is my fault we haven't been able to execute them, I am not sure.
"At the end of the day, it is all of us. We are all responsible for the way we have played.
"I wouldn't like to think anyone (in the Australia squad) is playing for their future in the game."
PONTING SAVES THIRD TEST
Ponting hit 156, Australia's only century of the series, to help save the third Test and heads his side's batting averages.
But England have still dominated the last three Tests, winning two of them.
"I am the captain but I am not batting for everyone in the side and I am not bowling for everyone," said Ponting. "I am trying to point guys in the right direction.
"I am doing the best I can and I am sure the other guys are trying their best as well, we just haven't put it together yet."
Coach John Buchanan has also been criticised by the media.
Ponting was asked if Buchanan, whose contract is about to run out, retained the support of the players.
"Most definitely," he said. "It is not absolute panic stations for us as far as all our personnel and coaching staff are concerned.
"If we happen to win this last Test match then I am sure a lot of the stuff we are talking about here right now will be forgotten."
Ponting has admitted making an error in putting England in to bat after winning the toss in the second Test at Edgbaston. Vaughan's side won there before going 2-1 up in the series.
He also conceded he might have set overly defensive fields at times but argued: "You are going on what you think is right at the time."
