Buchanan denies split loyalties; will be backing Ponting

London, July 3 : Ricky Ponting might be disappointed with John Buchanan's new job as an advisor in the English board, but the former Australian coach will be backing Ponting to win the Ashes.

Buchanan said that Ponting can lead the team to a win in the series and atone for their loss in 2005. Incidentally, Buchanan was in charge of the Australian team that lost the Ashes in 2005 in England.

"He (Ponting) is determined to turn the tables for [the defeat in England in] 2005. When he led Australia in the past two Ashes, he was surrounded by good lieutenants, but he is now ready to take the captaincy issue forward and move from a consultative style to one of more direct leadership," Buchanan was quoted as saying by The Times, London.

Australia have only four players in side - Ponting, Brett Lee, Simon Katich and Michael Clarke - who were a part of the team that lost the Ashes in 2005 after 18 years.

"I've always been a great fan of Ricky. He is an outstanding team man and he brings that to his leadership style, but it is clear this is now his team," Buchanan.

Buchanan, who coached Australia to three Ashes series victories from four and two World Cup titles, is here to observe the way the game is run.

"After that, I'll sit down with David Parsons (the ECB performance director) and work out a way forward," Buchanan said.

He has also been asked by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to find out his role as a coaching consultant and Buchanan admitted that he is keen to start as soon as possible.

--IANS