Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has been appointed assistant coach for the upcoming Cricket World Cup in England this summer.

A three-time World Cup-winner, Ponting will bolster Justin Langer’s backroom team for the tournament as Australia look to defend the title they won four years ago.

Ponting was part of Australia’s World Cup-winning team in England in 1999 and then as captain led them to victories in South Africa in 2003 and the West Indies in 2007.

Ponting’s presence should lift an Australian side that has struggled in 50-over cricket since the last World Cup, with a large turnover of players due to selection indecision and a new captain in Aaron Finch in place of the banned Steve Smith.

It is unclear if Smith will be part of the World Cup squad due to a recent elbow operation and Australia are reluctant to rush him back, preferring to ensure he is fully fit for the Ashes.