Ponting signs as assistant

Australian cricketing great Ricky Pointing is returning to haunt the Black Caps.

The former Aussie skipper has been confirmed as one of the assistant coaches for February’s Twenty20 Tri-Series involving New Zealand, Australia and England to be played on either side of the Tasman.

The ruthless Ponting held a spell over the Black Caps during his stellar test career, losing just one test in 17 against the Black Caps with 11 wins and five draws.

He also relished batting against the Black Caps in tests, averaging

53.80 with two centuries and six

50s.

But he has quickly and successfully developed into a T20 coaching specialist.

Recently appointed head coach of Indian Premier League franchise Delhi Daredevils, Ponting is an IPL-title winning coach with the Mumbai Indians. He is also a Big Bash League TV commentator.

‘‘It’s the most tactical game of all three formats and that’s what excites me,’’ Ponting said as his national appointment under head coach Darren Lehmann was confirmed.

‘‘I seem to spend my whole life around Twenty20 cricket now with commentating on the Big Bash and coaching in the IPL,’’ Ponting said.

‘‘I think I’ve got a pretty good grasp on the game and we’ll see how it goes.

‘‘I’ve definitely caught the coaching bug. I love being around the game and being around the best players and I love being able to feel like you’ve got some impact on the way they play their cricket.’’

New Zealand play Australia in Sydney and Auckland in the TriSeries with the final slated for Eden Park on February 21.