Sydney, Feb. 9 : Australian cricket captain Ricky Ponting has said that wicketkeeper-batsman Brad Haddin can open the batting for "as long as he likes" after scoring his maiden one-day international century to set up Australia''s victory against New Zealand at the SCG on Sunday night.

The victory, just Australia''s second win in eight one-day matches this summer, and their first in three against New Zealand, keeps alive the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy series with matches to come in Adelaide on Tuesday and Brisbane on Friday.

Sydney, Feb 7: The Australian selectors in a surprise move have recalled Ricky Ponting for the February 8 ODI at the SCG against New Zealand, despite giving him a two-game break after the opening loss in Perth last weekend.

Ponting's mid-season holiday has been cut short in an effort to end Australia's horrible one-day campaign, which threatens to include a Chappell-Hadlee Series loss to an under-strength New Zealand.

Sydney, Feb 7 : The Australian selectors in a surprise move have recalled Ricky Ponting for the February 8 ODI at the SCG against New Zealand, despite giving him a two-game break after the opening loss in Perth last weekend.

Ponting's mid-season holiday has been cut short in an effort to end Australia's horrible one-day campaign, which threatens to include a Chappell-Hadlee Series loss to an under-strength New Zealand.

The Kiwis, given little hope of beating Australia, hold a commanding 2-0 lead in the five-match series, FOX Sports reported.

Melbourne, Feb. 4 : Australia's Test selectors should make a quick decision on who will replace Matthew Hayden as opener, said captain Ricky Ponting on Tuesday.

The Australian squad for the three-Test tour of South Africa will be named on Thursday, with boom youngster Phillip Hughes and Phil Jaques the leading contenders to fill the opening vacancy and partner Simon Katich.

Sydney, Feb. 4: Australian cricket captain Ricky Ponting is convinced that troubled all rounder Andrew Symonds will make a comeback to international cricket sooner than later.

The Courier-Mail quoted Ponting as saying on Tuesday on the sidelines of a ceremony to give away the Allan Border Medal for
2008-09 that he was a strong supporter of Symonds and the value he brought to the Australian team.