Waugh slams naming Ponting as captain over Warner for Sydney ODI

Melbourne, Feb 14(ANI): Former Australian captain Steve Waugh has slammed the national selectors for choosing Ricky Ponting as skipper over vice captain David Warner to replace the injured Michael Clarke for the Sydney ODI against Sri Lanka.

"They put David Warner in there as vice-captain, I assume they think he's leadership material. If he's vice-captain, why can't he be captain? Ricky can do the job blindfolded but the future is David Warner, so I'm surprised they didn't go to Warner," The Herald Sun quoted Waugh, as saying.

Waugh also came out in support of wicketkeeper Brad Haddin, who was been replaced by Matthew Wade.

"If he's rested, why doesn't he come back in and be captain? He was vice-captain of the Test side so there was an opportunity for Brad to be captain of the one-day team," he said.

Chairman of selectors John Inverarity said acting vice-captain David Warner was not ready to fill the leadership role in Clarke's absence.

"David Warner is a young player making his way. He displays considerable leadership potential, but the selection panel is of the view that he should not, at this moment, have the added responsibility of captaincy thrust on him," he said.

"David has been gaining valuable experience under Michael Clarke's captaincy and now he will have the opportunity to grow his leadership skills further as vice-captain to Ricky Ponting."

The squad for Australia's next two one-day matches is: Michael Clarke (c), Ricky Ponting (C, Friday), David Warner (VC), Dan Christian, Xavier Doherty, Peter Forrest, Ben Hilfenhaus, David Hussey, Michael Hussey, Brett Lee, Mitchell Marsh, Clint McKay, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Wade. (ANI)