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One-dayers 'lacking context': Ponting

Former skipper says ODIs need more relevance as cricket administrators meet to discuss changes to the game

Australian World Cup-winning skipper Ricky Ponting says too much One-Day International cricket may put the 50-over version in danger of losing its relevance.

Speaking after Australia consolidated top spot in the ODI rankings with a 4-1 series win against Sri Lanka, Ponting seemed underwhelmed by the greater meaning of the victory.

"One-day cricket is the game at the moment that is lacking the most context," Ponting said at a promotional event in New Delhi.

"You just have a one-off series like the Australia-Sri Lanka series, it doesn't really matter, it doesn't mean anything.

"Both teams want to win the series but there is nothing else riding on it. Maybe each ODI will have some sort of relevance for the World Cup rankings but nothing more than that."

Australia seal series in emphatic fashion


Ponting though appreciated Australian team for their ability to bounce back after the visitors overcame a 3-0 Test drubbing last month to outplay the hosts in ODIs.

Ponting's comments come as senior cricket administrators, including Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland, prepare to meet in Dubai to discuss possible changes to the structure of international cricket.

The proposed changes include the implementation of a two-tiered system, leagues for all formats and the opening of the pathway for smaller Associate nations.

Ponting also lauded Aussie pace spearhead Mitchell Starc, who stood out with 24 wickets in three Tests and 12 in five ODIs to make an impression on sluggish sub-continent pitches.

"Mitchell Starc is arguably the best fast bowler in the world at the moment," Ponting said of the lanky pacer who had returned to Test matches in Sri Lanka after ankle and foot surgery.

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"We have seen and unearthed some very talented players in the last two or three seasons. David Warner, Steve Smith, Nathan Lyon, and Usman Khawaja has been good," Ponting said of the current group.

Ponting also weighed in on the future of day-night Tests, which debuted in Australia last year.

"We have seen it once in Adelaide. It was a great success albeit the game went for just three and a half days, so you can argue there, was it a great spectacle for Test cricket or did it have an adverse effect?" Ponting said of the first day-night Test between Australia and New Zealand last year.

"But once again I am all for what administrators and fans believe is right for the game.

"If the fans are calling out for day-night Test cricket then as players and administrators we will do whatever we can to deliver that to them."