Ponting to join Australian teammates

SYDNEY: Ricky Ponting will join the Australian squad for the inaugural Twenty20 Cricket World Championships in South Africa after his wife's health improved.

The Australian captain had been in doubt for the tournament after staying home when the rest of the team left on Monday due to a "private family issue".

Ponting revealed on Friday  that there had been a health issue relating to his wife. He did not specify the nature of the issue.

Ponting is expected to arrive in South Africa in time to attend the ICC Awards ceremony in Johannesburg on Monday night.

"Fortunately Rianna's health has improved over the last few days and I'm hoping travel plans can be finalised as soon as possible," Ponting said.

"I'm grateful for the support we've both had from Cricket Australia and my teammates, and in particular I'd like to thank (vice-captain) Adam Gilchrist and (coach) Tim Nielsen for their leadership roles in the early days of the Australian squad's first-ever Twenty20 International tour.

"It made things easier here knowing the team was in such good hands."

A decision on whether injured all-rounder Shane Watson will join the tour will be announced in South Africa later on Friday.

The tournament runs from September 11-24.