Ricky Ponting: “I think Mitchell Marsh is the one I might lean towards”

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Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting feels that all-rounder Mitchell Marsh should be appointed vice-captain of the Test team.

Marsh is the frontrunner for the vice-captaincy ahead of the Australia’s Test series against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates.

The 26-year-old does have leadership experience as he captains Western Australia and recent led the Australia A squad in India.

In addition to being captain Tim Paine’s second-in-command in the longest format, Ponting also wants to see Marsh replace Paine as ODI captain.

“I think I might go quite young. I think Mitchell Marsh is the one I might lean towards,” Ponting was quoted as saying by stuff.co.nz. “I am not only thinking about Test cricket as well, but I am thinking a little bit towards the World Cup that is not that far away.

“There is probably not a stand-out captain as far as our 50-over team is concerned right now either, but I just think the way Mitchell has developed over the last couple of years.

“We saw his Test summer in Australia last year was outstanding. He captained Western Australia last year and did a good job. I think it would probably be him or they might go for someone a bit more experienced just to help Painey out over the next few months but Mitchell Marsh would get my vote.”

Australia’s Test series against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates begins on October 7 in Dubai.