Melbourne, May 19 (IANS): Australia's Test and ODI captain Ricky Ponting has come out in support of Michael Clarke, who questioned his place in the Twenty20 side after the team's loss in the World Twenty20.

Clarke captained Australia to the final of the World Twenty20 but, after losing the final to England, admitted his form in the format was "not up to scratch" and the selectors would have to make a decision about his future.

"I don't know what he had to say about himself, but everything I've been reading is very positive about him and how he's led the team. I notice the coach (Tim Nielsen) made some positive comments and every time I have seen Michael in a leadership role he has done exceptionally well. So there are some really good signs there for the future of Australian cricket," Ponting was quoted as saying by Fox Sports.

Ponting wants a three finals system in the T20 format.

"I've always been of the belief in Twenty20 tournaments there should be a best-of-three finals. We know with the game, it can hinge on one over here and there. They dominated the competition all the way through... I was disappointed for the boys; no doubt they were the best team right through the tournament but they stumbled at the last hurdle. They should be proud of the way they conducted themselves," he said.

Ponting said he missed being part of the side since he stood down from T20.

"Of course, you would like to be there, but I made the decision I made for all the right reasons. I was finding it increasingly difficult to play all three formats of the game the way I wanted to," he said.