To step into Ponting's shoes and help Australia overcome Ashes loss
To step into Ponting's shoes and help Australia overcome Ashes lossMenacing nimbus clouds over Old Trafford yesterday rescued England from a probable defeat in the first of two Twenty20 matches demonstrating that the clouds of gloom have lifted over Australia's disheartening Ashes defeat.
Driving rain forced abandonment of the match with England teetering on four for the loss of two wickets in reply to Australia's 145 for four.
Determined to move onThe former world champion's performance gave notice that they have put the setback aside and are determined to move on, even in the absence of their experienced captain Ricky Ponting, who is taking a break before the forthcoming seven ODIs against the old enemy and the Champions' Trophy in South Africa to follow.
A defeat would certainly have been detrimental to England's morale after their none-too-impressive performance against lowly Ireland last week, in which the Ashes winners managed to scrape through by a mere two runs.
On the eve of yesterday's Twenty20 game, stand-in Australian captain Michael Clarke said he was ready to step into Ponting' shoes and that his team was determined to move on from the disheartening Ashes defeat.
Lots coming up"We have to because we have some pretty important cricket coming up," Clarke said.
"The feeling of losing will stay with me for a long time but the fact of the matter is we have to look forward.
"We've got the Champions Trophy not too far away so we're trying to get our heads around that and make sure we're as well prepared for that tournament as possible and hopefully continue to hold onto that trophy."
He said ominously he would "love to leave England winning both Twenty20s and all seven one-dayers.
He went on to say he was more than happy to continue as vice-captain, even as controversy over replacing Ponting raged in Australia over the weekend.
"I see Ricky as our leader, I don't think we have to worry about that," 'Pup' Clarke said.
