Ponting said, “After much thought and careful consideration I have advised Cricket Australia of my decision to retire from international Twenty20 cricket.” Further the right handed batsman mentioned, “I have also spoken to (chief selector) Andrew Hilditch, (coach) Tim Nielsen and (vice captain) Michael Clarke and I feel this decision provides me the opportunity to prolong my Australian Test and one-day career, an opportunity I am extremely determined about.
 
“As I said after the fifth Test in London, I am hoping to continue playing Test cricket for as long as possible and retiring from the Twenty20 format gives me the best chance of doing this. I will now have set periods of rest throughout the Australian summer and while touring which I feel will be very beneficial,” said Ponting.  

 
The decision of Ponting is surprising but not at all illogical. Considered among all time best captains of Australia, Ponting has been passing though a tough phase. Australia has recently lost the Ashes to England under captaincy of Ponting. The loss in the Ashes increases pressure upon Ponting and he had to face severe criticism from the countrymen and media as well. Now Ponting is looking ahead by quitting the fast-paced Twenty20 Internationals and concentrating more on other formats of the game. But we can’t deny the fact that the Australian team is really passing through a rough phase. Let us see how Ponting’s decision helping out team Australia, whose crown is under threat.