Ponting looks forward to state captaincy

The appointment may be routine, but the timing is piquant and Ricky Ponting intends to make the most of his first chance to captain Tasmania.

The Test batsman was today named as captain of the Tigers' one-day side to play Victoria in a Mercantile Mutual Cup cricket match against Victoria at the MCG on Sunday.

From the Tasmanian point of view, his appointment was automatic. He has been vice-captain to Jamie Cox since David Boon retired two seasons ago, although international commitments have limited his appearances for the state.

When Cox was selected for the Australia A team which starts a four-day game against the West Indies in Hobart on Saturday, Ponting got his first leadership opportunity.

His elevation comes in the middle of widespread speculation about him being a future Test captain.

Next Monday or Tuesday the Australian Cricket Board will announce who will lead Australia in the third Test in Steve Waugh's temporary absence through injury. Ponting is expected to be named as Adam Gilchrist's Test deputy.

And if he is, it would reinforce the view that Waugh's permanent successor would be either Gilchrist or Ponting.

"I'm looking forward to leading Tasmania, it'll be a good experience," Ponting said during a round of golf in Launceston today.

"Like every opportunity I get, I try to make the most of it."

"It's also important from the team point of view that I do it well."