Ricky Ponting is today expected to quit the Australian cricket captaincy but remain in the side as a batsman.

Cricket Australia has scheduled a press conference at the SCG for 1:00pm (AEDT).

Vice-captain Michael Clarke is expected to take over the captaincy of the Test and one-day sides.

The 36-year-old Ponting confirmed upon his return from the World Cup that a decision on his future was imminent.

"Every decision I've ever made was always with Cricket Australia's thoughts at the front of my mind - it's always been about putting the team before me," he told assembled media at Sydney Airport on Sunday.

"The direction of my thoughts will be along those lines the next couple of days.

"It's been nice the last week especially to hear the endorsement from Cricket Australia and selectors about that position.

"But that's where the next few days are crucial for me. I have to really decide what I think is right for me and the team going forward.

"I've still got a lot to offer the team as a player and leader. When I first came into the team, I was lucky to have had a lot of experienced guys around to learn what international cricket was about.

"I want to make sure [young players like the] Phillip Hughes, Steve Smiths and Usman Khawajas that we have in the team have experienced guys around to learn from as well.

"It's never been about how many runs I've scored or hundreds I've made.

"If I feel I can contribute with the bat, help the team win games of cricket and help young guys along the way, then I think I should still be playing."

Ponting took over the captaincy of the Test side from Steve Waugh in 2004 and has captained 77 matches for 48 wins - the most of any Test skipper.

He also has 163 wins from 227 one-day games in charge.

Ponting oversaw Australia's World Cup victories in 2003 and 2007 as well as a 5-0 Ashes series whitewash of England in 2006-07, but he is also the only Australian captain to lose an Ashes series on three occasions.

He has also struggled with the bat in recent times, but emerged from a slump with a fighting century against India in Australia's World Cup quarter-final defeat last week.