Katich should replace Ponting as captain: Rixon by CricketArchive Staff Reporter

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Player:	SJ Rixon, RT Ponting, SM Katich
Event:	Australia in British Isles 2009

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DateLine: 30th August 2009

 

Former Aussie stumper Steve Rixon believes Australia have lost their ruthless cutting edge under skipper Ricky Ponting.

 

According to him, Ponting, despite being a brilliant batsman, has never been a great captain and the team has mellowed down under his leadership.

 

"It's time to allow a stronger character like Simon Katich to take over," he argued.

 

"We've lost our edge. I don't relate to the brand of cricket we are playing under Ricky. We aren't playing the sort of cricket that has made us ruthless and a team that no one really likes to play," Rixon said.

 

"Teams aren't capitulating under pressure like they used to. We seem to have a more timid nature...and that could certainly have a bearing on a tight series like the one in England," he was quoted as saying in 'The Daily Telegraph'.

 

"If we're going to look at change, I'd be looking at Simon Katich. Simon is a tenacious leader. I worked with him at NSW and I know what he can offer as a captain. He's tough, he won't take a backward step, he plays aggressive cricket - and that is synonymous with the Australian style," Rixon added.