Sydney, Feb 14: Australian skipper Ricky Ponting has backed the captaincy credentials of Brad Haddin, saying that he is a thinking cricketer.

Ponting, who agreed it was the best time for him to take a break, was certain of Haddin's credentials.

"He brings a lot of experience and he has a lot of leadership qualities. He thinks about the game," the Sydney Morning Herald quoted Ponting, as saying.

Haddin celebrated his promotion to captaincy after Michael Clarke was sidelined due to injury by slaughtering the Kiwi attack like a natural leader.

Haddin discovered on Friday that he would be captaining Australia for the first time in Sunday's Twenty20 match at the SCG just moments before the deciding Chappell-Hadlee match in Brisbane, which was abandoned due to persistent rain.

Haddin's innings of 88 not out from 65 balls came after Clarke was omitted from the side just before the game, reported.

The wicketkeeper will captain Australia against the Black Caps after Michael Clarke was ruled out due to a persistent back injury, while Ricky Ponting has been rested.

An unbeaten 98-run stand between Haddin and rookie Callum Fergsuon laid the platform for a solid total of 4-168 after Australia were sent in first. (ANI)