Ponting ruled out of Test tour to New Zealand

SYDNEY, 1 March -- Australian batsmen Ricky Ponting has failed a fitness test on his injured ankle and been ruled out of the three-Test tour of New Zealand and the three one-day internationals in South Africa in April.

Ponting, who was injured after crashing into the fence while fielding at the Sydney Cricket Ground in Australia's Carlton & United Series victory over Pakistan in February, is still suffering the effects of joint trauma to his right ankle.

The Australian Cricket Board have delayed the announcement of Ponting's replacement until after the completion of the fifth one-day international against New Zealand in Napier, given that potential replacements including Damien Martyn, Michael Bevan and Andrew Symonds are playing. Other candidates for the position include Western Warriors left-hander Simon Katich and Southern Redbacks captain Darren Lehmann.

The remaining 13 members of the squad are: Stephen Waugh (c - NSW) Shane Warne (vc - VIC) Greg Blewett (SA) Damien Fleming (VIC) Adam Gilchrist (WA) Matthew Hayden (QLD) Michael Kasprowicz (QLD) Justin Langer (WA) Brett Lee (NSW) Glenn McGrath (NSW) Colin Miller (TAS) Michael Slater (NSW) Mark Waugh (NSW)