Ricky Ponting has missed out on Tasmania's recent success, but could captain the Tigers to Sheffield Shield glory.
Ricky Ponting has the chance to play in a title-winning Tasmanian side for the first time, but is at pains to point out - 'it's not about me'.
International duty has meant Ponting has missed out on the Tigers' considerable success in recent years, Sheffield Shield victories in 2006-07 and last season, and three one-day wins in the past decade.
The former Australian captain came within a whisker of getting his hands on a first piece of silverware with his state side in last month's tied one-day final against South Australia.
"It was pretty shattering in Adelaide to tell the truth, going as close as we did and playing as well as we did in the run chase that night," he said of the loss to the Redbacks who were awarded the cup after finishing top of the table in the rounds.
"That part of our season's behind us now."
With George Bailey leaving on Friday for the Caribbean with the Australian limited-overs squad, Ponting has the chance to captain Tasmania to Shield glory, providing they can beat Western Australia this week and make the final.
"This is not about me - this is about Tasmanian cricket," he said.
"It would be great for me to be able to play in a title-winning team but we've got a game to win this week first.
"It's no good looking any further ahead than that."
Ponting will skipper Tasmania for just the sixth time in 20 years at Bellerive on Thursday, and for the first time since 2007.
"Hopefully I can slip seamlessly back into it," he said.
"It's probably a bit different than a few years ago when I hadn't had the chance to really be around the side very much.
"I've been around a bit more this year."
And he will be available for the Shield final, should the Tigers make it, with the first Test in Barbados not beginning until April 7.
"I'll have a little break before I go to the Caribbean," he said.
"It will be a good chance to freshen up. It's been a pretty long summer for most of us."
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