Ponting to remain with squad for India tour

Ricky Ponting will remain with the Australia squad for the seven-ODI tour of India beginning in next week despite being ruled out of the remainder of the ICC World Twenty20 with a hamstring strain. However, because Ponting might miss some of the matches in India, Brad Haddin has been added to the squad as backup.

Ponting strained his hamstring while running between the wickets in Australia's Super Eights match against Pakistan and completed his innings with the help of a runner. Alex Kountouris, the physio, said Ponting's recovery was progressing well and he should "take some part" in the India tour.

Andrew Hilditch, the chairman of selectors, said Ponting was making excellent progress. "Ricky will be coming on the tour of India and will resume playing as soon as he is medically cleared," Hilditch said.

"Brad Haddin has been added to the touring squad and will take part in the Indian tour until such time as Ricky recovers. Although Ricky's injury is very disappointing it gives us an opportunity to recognise the outstanding performances of Brad Haddin domestically and in his limited opportunities for Australia in the past 12 months."

There is also uncertainty over Shane Watson's availability for the India games after he left the field with another hamstring problem against Sri Lanka on Thursday. Watson pulled up gingerly during his fourth over in what was his first match at the ICC World Twenty20, as a hamstring injury had kept him on the sidelines early in the tournament.

"Shane felt some soreness in the left hamstring during today's game and we will continue to assess this over the next 48 hours before any decision is made regarding his availability," Kountouris said. Australia are scheduled to leave South Africa for India on Tuesday and will play the first ODI in Bangalore next Saturday.