AUSTRALIAN and Tasmanian captain Ricky Ponting has pulled out of the Tigers' most crucial one-day fixture in 18 years.
With nearly all his national teammates lining up for their states this weekend, Ponting has withdrawn from the Tigers' clash with South Australia in Adelaide on Saturday.
The Tasmanian Cricket Association was last night frantically trying to change his mind and would not comment or name a team until this morning.
Ponting's Australian teammates Darren Lehmann and Jason Gillespie will play for South Australia in Saturday's game against the Tigers.
Second-placed Tasmania is battling Victoria for a spot in the ING Cup final against Queensland.
The Tigers have 24 points, one more than the Bushrangers, who play New South Wales at the SCG on Sunday.
Australia players were given the option of resting or being available for their states in the final round of domestic one-day games ahead of Australia's tour of New Zealand starting February 17.
- BRETT STUBBS