Melbourne, Sep 7 - Australian cricket captain Ricky Ponting announced Monday that he will retire from international Twenty20 matches.

Ponting will remain captain of the Australian Test and one-day sides but will step away from the international Twenty20 matches in an effort to prolong his playing career.

Ponting said: 'After much thought and careful consideration I have advised Cricket Australia of my decision to retire from international Twenty20 cricket.

'I have also spoken to (chief selector) Andrew Hilditch, Tim Nielsen (coach) and Michael Clarke (vice-captain) and I feel this decision provides me the opportunity to prolong my Australian Test and one-day career, an opportunity I am extremely determined about.'

Ponting said that he took the decision after the fifth Ashes Test in London and hoped that it would boost his Test and ODI career.