Ponting answers the call

Ricky Ponting's period of rest and recuperation ends as he returns for the Sydney ODI

Captain Ricky Ponting will return to Australia's side for the third one-day international against New Zealand in Sydney tomorrow.

Ponting was set to sit out the second and third matches of the Chappell-Hadlee series against New Zealand, but with Australia trailing 2-0 in the best-of-five series, the Tasmanian will return earlier than expected.

Ponting told national selection panel chairman Andrew Hilditch that he wanted to play in Sydney and it was decided that it was in the best interests of the team for him to do so.

"Ricky has today made a strong appeal to be allowed to play given that this is a 'decider' game," Hilditch said.

"Given the circumstance, we have made an on balance decision to support his request and we will continue to monitor his workload closely.

"It should be noted that selectors were pleased with Michael Clarke's leadership and batting form in Melbourne, where he was man-of-the-match, but this decision will bolster our batting. We also understand Ricky's desire to lead from the front."

After missing the second match in Melbourne yesterday, Ponting is keen to get back into the action and help Australia fight their way back into the series.

"I am tired and my body needs a rest but I am also Australia captain and want to be with my team," he said.

"We are 2-0 down and I want to be there with the rest of my team to help turn the series around."

The make-up of the Australia side that will tackle the Kiwis will not be decided on until the morning of the game.