Aussies wary of touring Zimbabwe - Ponting

Australia's one-day captain Ricky Ponting has admitted his team mates have concerns about touring Zimbabwe next month after the troubled African country's election and its subsequent suspension from the Commonwealth.

The Australians have had security fears for several weeks, but these escalated with the disputed election earlier this month and one-year suspension from the 54-strong Commonwealth, which groups mainly former British colonies, on Tuesday.

"I think everybody would have a few concerns about Zimbabwe at the moment," Ponting said on Wednesday. "But the bottom line is that we are being guided by the ACB (Australian Cricket Board) who are being guided by the experts in Zimbabwe.

"It's in their hands, but the ACB have made it really clear to us that if there are any player safety issues in Zimbabwe, we won't be going there."

Australia are due to play two tests and three one-day internationals in Zimbabwe.

On Wednesday the ACB made public their intention to go ahead with the tour, saying that to cancel it would be a huge blow to the cricket-loving public of Zimbabwe.

Ponting, who has assumed the captaincy for the forthcoming one-day series against South Africa from Steve Waugh, said he was happy with the ACB stance in the knowledge that the situation was under constant review.

He added: "The Board are being guided by the experts in Zimbabwe. Obviously there's no one better to give them advice than those people over there so we've got full trust in the ACB and I'm sure they'll work things out over the next few days.

"I've always enjoyed my time in Zimbabwe on previous visits. It's been good cricket and we've been well looked after, but if it's not safe, we won't be going."

Mail Cricket Editor