Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting picked up hisdomestic cricketer of the year award Wednesday and ruled out a return to thebeleaguered test team for the Ashes.
The 38-year-old Ponting, who quit international cricket inNovember, led the Sheffield Shield with 875 runs at an average of 87.50,including an unbeaten 200 in a recent match. Tasmania will host the first-classfinal beginning Friday against Queensland.
Ponting says "international cricket has long passed meby," and predicts Australia could "put up a good show" in thefourth and final test against India after three consecutive defeats.
Ponting signed a two-month contract with Englishcountry Surrey and will be in England when Australia builds up for the Ashesseries.