Ricky Ponting's statement upon his appointment as Test captain elect

It's a great honour to be named as Test captain elect and I thank the selectors and Cricket Australia's Directors for their faith in me.

Every Australian kid who plays backyard cricket dreams of being Australian Test captain and I was no different.

There are many people who have helped me achieve what I have so far. In particular my beautiful wife Rianna, and my manager Sam.

And to my captain Steve, it's an honour and privilege to play with and under you. Thank you also to my fellow Australian and Tasmanian team mates, coaches and support staff, who have helped me succeed as a player and as one-day captain.

I would also like to congratulate Adam Gilchrist on his appointment as vice captain elect.

As I have already stated this week, this time in Australian cricket is not about me, it's about celebrating Steve Waugh.

I would have been happy to play out the rest of my career under his inspirational leadership.

My intention for the next six weeks is to be the best vice-captain I can be and to ensure we play at our best in the imminent series against India.

Lastly, I would like to take this opportunity to encourage the Australian public to get out and give Steve the farewell he deserves.