Ricky Ponting set for major role with Cricket Australia

Ricky Ponting, the former Australia captain, is likely to join Cricket Australia (CA) in a major capacity after quitting his coaching job in the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise, according to several reports.

Ponting had been coaching IPL team Mumbai Indians for the last few years. Last week, the legendary batsman relinquished his job with the Twenty20 club and hinted at joining cricket administration in his home nation.

According to the Canberra Times, Ponting has emerged as the frontrunner to coach Australia's T20 side in February when regular coach Darren Lehmann and the Test squad prepare for a four-Test series in India.

The report adds that Ponting has been in talks with Pat Howard, Cricket Australia's team performance boss, regarding a coaching job with the national team.

Even though Ponting is being viewed as a possible coach, several reports have speculated his entry into cricket administration, especially in the aftermath of Rod Marsh quitting as chairman of selectors. CA has appointed Trevor Hohns as interim chairman and Greg Chappell as a member of the selection committee. But those appointments have been made on a temporary basis; a new panel is likely to take charge in 2017.

Ricky Ponting defends Darren Lehmann

Ponting recently spoke to AllOutCricket.com about his passion for cricket administration and coaching.

“Look, the coaches can coach as much as they like but it’s down to the players to stand up and do something about it, and not be happy with mediocre performances," Ponting said while defending former teammate Lehmann, who recently signed a contract extension that would keep him as Aussie coach until 2019.

Ponting argued that younger players needed better coaching at the grassroots level before reaching the international stage. “Unfortunately the Australian coach can’t change technique (of a player). By the time players get there (to the national team) it’s almost too late.

"That’s what I’ve always said about cricket coaching in general – it’s always around the wrong way, you’ve got your so-called best skilled coaches coaching the national team when they should be down there coaching the kids so they’re ready to go when they get there," added Ponting.

Ricky Ponting played a record 168 Test matches for Australia.