AUSTRALIAN cricketing great Ricky Ponting has revealed he could be coaching Australia before the summer is out.

The 41-year-old indicated Cricket Australia was searching for someone to take charge of the national T20 team for three games against Sri Lanka in February.

Current head coach Darren Lehmann and a host of cross-format stars are likely to be unavailable for the T20 games at the MCG, Simonds Stadium and Adelaide Oval as they prepare for the Border-Gavasker Trophy in India.

The final T20 against the Sri Lankans is on February 22, with the 1st Test in India to begin 16 hours later.

“It sounds like they are looking at separating the one-day and Test team away from the T20 team,” Ponting told Triple M’s Rush Hour on Friday afternoon.

“By the looks of the schedule, it appears the Test team will be in India already getting ready for the Test series over there. Darren will be away with that team, so they will need someone to coach the Australia T20 team here in Australia.

“Let’s wait and see over the next few months and there will be an announcement I’m sure.”

David Warner and Steve Smith chat to Ricky Ponting. Source: News Corp Australia

When pushed on whether he has been approached, the 168-Test veteran conceded he had been sounded out but was noncommittal on whether he would get the nod in February.

“Yeah there has been a few inquiries,” he said.

“I’m not saying that’s me ... Let’s wait and see over the next few months and there will be an announcement I’m sure.”

Ponting said the Australians have a good opportunity to respond to negative press when they host South Africa at the WACA in a Test beginning next Thursday.

“There is a lot of doom around about Australian cricket at the moment,” he said.

“I think the boys have to get out on the front foot against a good South African team over the next few weeks and right a few of those wrongs.”

Mumbai Indians coach Ricky Ponting along with captain Rohit Sharma. AFP PHOTO / INDRANIL MUKHERJEE Source: AFP

Although “a little bit surprised” by the selection of seamer Joe Mennie in the 12-man squad for the match, Ponting backed former teammate Peter Siddle to get the nod as the third quick behind Mitch Starc and Josh Hazlewood.

Siddle and Mennie edged out Jackson Bird to make the squad, with chairman of selectors Rod Marsh suggesting it was Bird’s batting that kept him out.

“Joe Mennie is I suppose a little bit of a surprise for me,” he said.

“But looking at the way Peter Siddle performed in the Shield game at the MCG, I suppose he would take up a fast bowler’s spot.”

Ponting has coached the Mumbai Indians in the IPL and has previously been reluctant to take charge of a national team.

Tom Morris is on Twitter: @tommorris32