Punting on Ponting with Paddy Power - Will Ricky Ponting Captain Australia at 2009 Ashes.

With two test series before facing off with England for the Ashes in 2009, questions are being raised on the captaincy of Ricky Ponting, nicknamed Punter by his team mates.

After loosing to India in one of the biggest series defeat that Australia has seen for a long time it remains to be seen whether Ricky Ponting can make a comeback in the upcoming test series against New Zealand and then against South Africa in 2008-2009.

These next 5 test matches, 2 against New Zealand in November and 3 against South Africa in Dec-January, are being touted as the test for Australia's most successful captain to prove that critics are wrong.

Ricky Ponting has faced a lot of criticism because of his tactics in the final test against India in Nagpur and some former cricketers have called his decision to use part time bowlers as ridiculous and surprising.

Former Australian pace spearhead, Jeff Thompson has gone ahead and branded him as an "Ordinary Captain".

However, we know that what Ricky has achieved in his career as Australia's captain is not an ordinary feet and he would bounce back.

What will be supporting his chances is the fact that both the test match series are to be played in Australia. Along with it, Andrew Symonds is expected to be back in the Australian team, which will bring more power to the Kangaroos.

Owing to these two factors, we can expect Australia to hold its ground against the Kiwis as well as Graham Smith's men.

Paddy Power has come out with odds for the post of Australia's captain for the July 2009 Ashes series to be held in England next year.

Ricky Ponting remains the favourite with the bookmaker at 1/6.

All candidates for the captaincy position for 2009 Ashes series are:

R Ponting 1 - 6

M Clarke 5 - 1

M Hussey 20 - 1

S Katich 33 - 1

M Hayden 33 - 1

A Symonds 50 - 1

S Watson 40 - 1

S Warne 100 - 1

A Gilchrist 250 - 1

With Shane Warne and Adam Gilchrist already retired, it seems a distinct possibility that any of them would be called up for this role if required.

If you believe that Australia will have a new captain by Ashes, then the above odds provide a good return if you can guess right.