I want to continue to help Australia win – Ponting

Ricky Ponting has returned to Australia declaring his intention to play on until at least the end of the summer.

The former national captain erased doubts over his immediate future with a half-century in the thrilling two-wicket win over South Africa in Johannesburg.

He will be chosen for the first Test against New Zealand in Brisbane next week and appears certain to line up against India in a four-Test series starting on Boxing Day.

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Retirement appeared a long way from Ponting’s mind as he arrived back in Sydney on Wednesday.

“It’s a great team to be part of at the moment. I want to be around and hopefully be able to have some sort of impact on the way the team plays,” he said.

“Of course (I want to continue). I really enjoy it, always have. When you contribute to wins, that’s what it’s all about. I felt I had a part to play in the second (Test win).”

Asked if he’d made a point to his critics, Ponting responded: “It’s never been about that for me. It’s been about trying to be the best I can be to win games for Australia.”

Captain Michael Clarke has said he can see no reason why record run-scorer Ponting would not continue playing for Australia.