“It’s the worst possible case scenario for me and ‘JL’,” Ponting told this masthead. “We for the last couple of months felt that it was probably going to be in the gap between the Test matches. It takes all the pressure off the players from both teams, there’s a lot of players in both teams in the auction.
“So I always thought it would’ve been in that gap because it just seemed better for everybody. But I don’t know why they’ve chosen the dates they have – it might have something to do with the game. The auction actually starts on air almost immediately after the end of play. So it might be something to do with broadcast.
“I’m calling the first day then flying out late Friday night to Jeddah. The auction is the 24th and 25th and then depending on how we’re going through our auction, we’ll see when I can return. Hopefully I’ll get back for the end of Perth, and if not I’ll be back on deck for the start of Adelaide.”
Seven confirmed Ponting and Langer would be back for the day/night Test in Adelaide, starting December 6.
“The IPL auction involves the world’s best coaches and analysts in the game, and we are privileged enough to have two of them on our broadcast all summer long,” Seven’s director of sport Chris Jones said.
Loading
“Alongside Sunil Gavaskar, who knows the travelling side better than anyone, both Ricky and Justin are uniquely placed as IPL coaches to bring unrivalled insights to viewers about the Indian and Australian players, which further strengthens our live and free coverage.
“We look forward to welcoming both Ricky and Justin back for the Adelaide Test from Friday, 6 December, where they will share all the action from behind the scenes at one of international cricket’s biggest events.”
Bowling coach Vettori will be with the team to finish preparations for the first Test. CA has brought in the head of Australia’s under-19 men’s program Lachlan Stevens, while head coach Andrew McDonald, formerly a bowling coach, could also take over Vettori’s portfolio.
Test great Michael Hussey and former county all-rounder Jim Allenby are with the team until Thursday.
“We are very supportive of Dan’s role as head coach of Sunrisers Hyderabad,” CA said in a statement.
“Dan will complete final preparation for the first Test before attending the IPL auction. He will then be with the team for the remainder of the Border Gavaskar Trophy.”
News, results and expert analysis from the weekend of sport are sent every Monday. Sign up for our Sport newsletter.