Sydney, Nov 24 (IANS): Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting said that he has no plans of retiring any time soon and asked the selectors in his no-nonsense way to give him some time.

"Of course, (I want to keep playing). I really enjoy it and always have," Ponting said after arriving here Wednesday night from Johannesburg.

The Age reported that newly appointed chief selector John Inverarity has given Ponting a positive vibe during a conversation in South Africa before the former skipper helped Australia level the series with a vital 62 in the second innings at the Wanderers in Johannesburg.

"It's a great team to be a part of...I want to be around and hopefully be able to have some sort of impact," said Ponting.

Former selector Greg Chappell, himself an ex-Australian captain, believes Ponting should be retained.

"I don't want to see him retire. I think he's an important cog in the regeneration of the Australian side. You don't discard champions lightly...when you've got one who's still committed and keen to play his part in Australian cricket, I'd be giving him a bit more time yet," Chappell was quoted as saying by The Age.

Clarke, who has a vote at selection along with coach Mickey Arthur, said Ponting had shown his value.

"His experience around the group is like no other and has played a big part in our success. I've been watching Ricky bat in the nets, I know he's in good nick … But the reality is he needs to continue to perform better than he has done of late to stay in the team. He's made no bones about that," the captain said.