Warne - Ponting will shine

Sky Sports pundit Shane Warne has backed Ricky Ponting to "fill his boots" when the upcoming Ashes series gets underway on November 25.

The legendary leg-spin bowler has offered his support to the Australia skipper after criticising his tactics during the recent tour defeat in India.

Warne voiced his discontent at field-placings employed by Ponting when off-spinner Nathan Hauritz was bowling in the second Test in Bangalore, a match the hosts won by seven wickets.

Warne wrote on Twitter: "How the hell can Hauritz bowl to this field?? Feeling for Hauritz, terrible!! What are these tactics? Sorry Ricky but what are you doing?"

Flair

The comment caused a storm with some reports suggesting Warne was questioning Ponting's ability to lead the side against England.

However, Warne, who took 708 Test wickets during his career, insists his criticism of the Tasmanian's field placings were "an observation, not an attack".

He said on www.shanewarne.com: "Ricky, to me, is the right man to lead Australia for the Ashes. It's a great opportunity for him to show his leadership and captaincy skills.

"He also looks in super touch with the bat; I am sure he's going to fill his boots this summer.

"This Ashes series is going to be the biggest of his and the Australian team's career. I think Ricky is at his best when he shows his Tassie devil side, which is aggressive with a dash of flair."

Ponting was quick to respond to Warne's original tweet and claimed he didn't mind criticism as long as the person making it was "well informed".

Warne, however, is adamant there is no lingering bad blood between the pair.

He added: "My tweet about Ricky's fields was portrayed as a rift between myself and the Australian captain and journos have tried to start a slanging match between us; what rubbish.

Sensitive

"Commentators on the match, cricket journalists and even the Indian captain, MS Dhoni, have agreed with my tweet. It was an observation, not an attack!

"Never at any stage did I say or imply that Ricky's time as captain is up.

"Sometimes as a player, when things are going badly, we can all be a bit sensitive to comments that ex-players or commentators make, I know I have been over the years as well.

"Yes - Ricky was disappointed with my tweet and expressed his disappointment via SMS to which I replied 'Should I take you off the Christmas card list?'

"My philosophy is - never lose your sense of humour in whatever you do!!!"