Ponting takes over

DURBAN, South Africa - Ricky Ponting will begin his one-day captaincy career against Shaun Pollock on Friday after the South African allrounder declared himself fit for the seven-match series against Australia.

Pollock has bowled at full pace without a problem for the first time since he suffered a side strain last month, ruling him out of Australia's 2-1 Test series win.

Wicketkeeper Mark Boucher led the Proteas to a five-wicket win in the final Test in Durban yesterday before selectors announced Pollock's return for the one-day series along with Lance Klusener and Jonty Rhodes.

The experienced trio, especially Pollock, will ensure Ponting has a testing series after taking over the Australian leadership from dumped captain Steve Waugh.

"I started bowling at about 60 per cent in the nets at Kingsmead on Friday, then I worked up to full speed on Sunday and Monday," Pollock said.

"I felt absolutely fine. I'll continue with the bowling tomorrow before heading up to Johannesburg."

Pollock and Klusener give South Africa genuine batting depth even though Klusener has been told his bowling is the main priority after he was overlooked for the Test series.

"Lance is now a bowling allrounder and we are looking for him to bowl fast," convenor of selectors Rushdi Magiet said.

"Since being dropped from the Test team he has apparently redoubled his efforts. We know Lance is a very good allrounder - he just went off the boil."

The Australian squad will train at the Wanderers tomorrow with selectors yet to decide on the team to play the opening match.

Adam Gilchrist and Matthew Hayden will open the batting while selectors must decide when to introduce new faces Shane Watson and Nathan Hauritz during the 10-match tour through South Africa and Zimbabwe.

Ponting is leading a 15-man squad in the first serious step towards the World Cup defence in South Africa next February.