Ponting backs rotation policy citing Manchester United`s example

Sydney: Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting has backed selectors’ controversial rotation policy, adding resting cricketers would be good for them just like Manchester United’s star striker Wayne Rooney benefits from resting between games.

Fans, broadcasters and former players have criticized the policy of resting top-tier stars during the summer as the Australian selectors seek to manage workloads during an increasingly congested schedule. Captain Michael Clarke, opening batsman David Warner, wicketkeeper Matthew Wade and pace man Mitchell Starc are amongst those who have been rotated in and out of the Test, one-day and Twenty20 squads over the past few months. Ponting said on Monday that it`s unfeasible to expect the best players to be at their best every game given the packed calendar that includes the T20 big bucks on offer in the Indian Premier League and the Champions League. Ponting said he totally supports the rotation policy, adding the people that are making these decisions are making them for the right reasons and for the betterment of the team and the individual players. The Oz legend added he could understand that the public sometimes can be a little bit disappointed that our best players aren`t playing every game, but he really think it`s impossible to expect the best players to play every game. Ponting further said basketball star Michael Jordan probably didn`t start in every game that the Chicago Bulls played and Rooney doesn`t play every game for Manchester United. The 38-year-old is adamant the current approach is the best one for Australian cricket and will hopefully win over the public over the next 12 months following a draining four-Test series in India, the ICC Champions Trophy and 10 Ashes Tests. ANI