Australian bid for the first Twenty20 World Championship struck a hurdle before the take-off, as skipper Ricky Ponting was left grounded as the team left for South Africa.
Citing the absence a family concern, team officials are expecting his immediate return before a final decision be made, this weekend. Wicket-keeper, Gilchrist is meanwhile bestowed to lead the touring party. Australia also have worries over fast bowler Stuart Clark while injury-prone all rounder, Shane Watson continues to be plagued by fitness doubts.
The absence adds to build-up complications for the ODI World Cup holders, who are indisputably strong favourites to add the Twenty20 trophy, to their list of honours.
Australia has two warm up games this weekend and begin the match against struggling Zimbabwe in Cape Town on September 12, before taking on England at the same venue two days later.
Despite the trouble building up, Australia still has key weapons in the form of Gilchrist, Lee, Symonds and couple others that can adapt to any circumstances and deliver their best show.
Via: BBC
