Ricky Ponting: Rested

A statement released jointly by Tasmania and the ACB said: "Off the back of 2 ½ months of hard, physical cricket in demanding conditions, the ACB’s medical staff are keen for Ricky to freshen up mentally and physically ahead of another lengthy period of continuous  cricket including five Orange Tests, the VB Series, the Travelex tours of the World Cup and the West Indies.

“Their view is that rest now should help to ensure Ricky is better able to recover from any aches and pains he may suffer over the next seven months.”

As such Tasmania have agreed not to name Ponting in the Tigers squads ahead of the start of the Ashes.

The side for the ACB Cup game against the Australian Capital Territory at Bellerive Oval from Monday, 4th to Thursday, 7th November is as follows:
Squad: Scott Kremerskothen, Scott Mason, George Bailey, Chris Bassano, Luke Butterworth, Xavier Doherty, Andrew Downton, Ben Oliver, Tim Paine, Matthew Pascoe, Shannon Tubb, Luke Williams.