The New Nation - Internet Edition

AFP, Melbourne

Embattled Australian captain Ricky Ponting believes time at the crease is the only cure for his current slump in form.

The normally prolific Ponting failed again in the rain-shortened tri- series win over Sri Lanka on Friday, run out for 11.

It took his tally for the series to just 64 runs at 10.66, and follows a relatively unproductive Test series, where his only score of note was a dour century on a flat Adelaide pitch in the final Test.

Speaking here after Friday's rain-shortened win over Sri Lanka, Ponting said tricky pitches and good bowling had contributed to his run of outs.

He also revealed he had rejected an offer of a break from the Australian selectors, and said he was confident of turning his form around, starting with Sunday's tri-series clash against India in Sydney.

"I really do only think it's getting half-an-hour to an hour in the middle and every batsman says that," he said here.