Surrey swoop for Ponting

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Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has agreed a two-month deal to join Surrey this summer, the club have confirmed.

The 38-year-old has been signed to replace South Africa skipper Graeme Smith while he is featuring in the Champions Trophy.

Ponting, who retired from international cricket in December, will be available in all formats in June and July.

Smith signed a three-year deal to captain Surrey last November but the club were aware he was likely to be absent during the Champions Trophy, which begins on June 6 in Cardiff.

Ricky Ponting, who retired from international cricket in November, has agreed a two-month contract at Surrey to replace Graeme Smith

Team director Chris Adams revealed Surrey had since been looking for an experienced replacement before landing the 168-Test veteran Ponting.

“We knew we would lose Graeme to the ICC Champions Trophy in June," Adams said. “That given, we focused on recruiting the best possible replacement and, in Ricky Ponting, we have signed one of the greatest batsmen of the modern era.

“This year, our young batsmen will enjoy a unique opportunity to learn from not just one but two of the greatest international players of the modern age.”

Ponting added: "I’m really excited to be playing for Surrey this season. They are a forward-thinking and historic club – and play at one of the greatest grounds in the world.

"It hasn’t been the friendliest place for me but now it will be my home for two months this summer. I’d like to think I can contribute a significant amount to the club – on and off the field – and am looking forward to getting stuck in as soon as I arrive.”

Since his international retirement, Ponting has continued to play domestic cricket in Australia for Tasmania.

He has been in good recent form, scoring an unbeaten double-century against New South Wales earlier this month before hitting 95 in a one-day game versus Western Australia on Tuesday.

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