Ponting preparing to join squad

Ricky Ponting says he is hoping to fly to South Africa "as soon as possible", after revealing his wife's health was the reason he stayed behind when the team departed on Monday. Ponting's flights are now being organised and he wants to be available for Australia's opening match of the ICC World Twenty20 next Wednesday.

Ponting remained at home due to "private family reasons" when most of the team flew to Johannesburg earlier this week. He said his wife Rianna was now on the improve from her undisclosed problem.

"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 on AAP. "I'm grateful for the support we've both had from Cricket Australia and my team-mates and in particular I'd like to thank Adam Gilchrist and 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. With things on the improve, Rianna and I are both keen that I now focus on the job at hand with the Australian team."

There is a chance Ponting will make it to South Africa in time for the ICC awards ceremony on Monday. He has been nominated for the highest honour, the Cricketer of the Year, and is also in the running for the one-day and Test titles.

Shane Watson has also been cleared to join the squad after he remained in Australia for assessment on a hamstring strain. "Shane has recovered sufficiently from the hamstring injury he sustained training in Brisbane last Sunday to join the squad in South Africa," said physiotherapist Alex Kountouris. "He will join the team on Monday with a view towards playing at some stage during the ICC World Twenty20."