Ponting: ODIs here to stay

Ricky Ponting is adamant the 50-over format is central to the international game

Captain Ricky Ponting has defended the 50-over format on the eve of Australia's first one-day international against Pakistan, saying he still believes it has a role to play in international cricket.

With the recent success of Twenty20 cricket fresh in everyone's minds, Ponting stood by the one-day format but acknowledged the forthcoming encounters against Pakistan and West Indies will see where 50-over cricket stands with the Australian public.

"As players we certainly don't see (a demise in the one-day game). We certainly see that there is a place in international cricket for all three forms of the game and I think they can all survive very, very, well," Ponting said.

"I haven't felt as a player that there has been a drop-off in the way the 50-over game is being received whatsoever. We'll get a bit more of an understanding over the next 10 games in Australia as to how the 50-over game is being received. I really think there is a place for all three forms of the game."

Ponting drew upon Australia's recent one-day success in the Champions Trophy in South Africa as well as the series win over India, where he thought his side produced some entertaining cricket.

"As a playing group we'll put on the best show that we can over the next couple of weeks and hope that the crowds around Australia really enjoy what we are doing."

Putting format discussions to one-side, Ponting said Australia are aiming for a clean sweep of the five-match series with Pakistan but acknowledged that the tourists’ one-day squad poses more of a threat than the Test team.

"If you read through their side, it looks like a better team on paper than what their Test team does," Ponting said. "We know Pakistan are a dangerous one-day team and at different times I'm sure they will be very good through this series.

"We just have to make sure we don't let their match-winning players have too much of an effect on the series. You bring in guys like (Shahid) Afridi and Rana (Naved-ul-Hasan) into the side - they're very experienced one-day international players who have all been match-winners in their time, and their one-day side does look particularly strong.”

Australia will have just one practice before tomorrow's match and, depending on conditions, will decide on their 12th man after today's training session, with Queenslander James Hopes looking most likely to carry the drinks.