GALLE, March 6: Australia's Ricky Ponting will finally inherit the Test captaincy from Steve Waugh when he leads out the team against Sri Lanka on Monday in Galle.

Waugh built one of the strongest teams in the game's history before bowing out after the recent India series.

Ponting, with a hard act to follow, takes charge of a formidable team and coach John Buchanan believes he can be equally successful as long as he stamps his own style on the job.

Ponting has already won the respect of the one-day team, leading them to a World Cup win last year and 79 percent win ratio in 67 matches at the helm.

"The main challenge for him is to be himself as captain," Buchanan told reporters. "If he is himself then he will lead the side exceptionally well and they will play very well under his leadership."

Waugh was a gladiatorial leader, a captain who won the total respect of his players through sheer grit and determination. He was also super-positive in approach.

Comparing the two men, Buchanan said: "They are the same and they are different."

"They are the same in that they lead by example, read the game very well and have great respect from all their team mates."

"They are different in the sense that Ricky brings his own brand of tactics, humour and leadership."

"I have thought about this Test match for a long time now and I am pretty excited," Ponting told reporters. "If anything I want to get it out of the way."

Ponting likens the promotion to a new career.

"I'm really proud of what I've been able to achieve thus far in my career but it's all about to start again. It's another chapter if you like."

The hardest challenge he faces, he says, will be walking the tightrope between being a friend and leader to his players.

"It's pretty important to remain one of the boys most of the time but there's certain times when you've got to distance yourself a little bit from that sort of stuff."

Ponting wants to build on the winning formula developed by Allan Border, Mark Taylor and Waugh but also to conquer the final frontier, the sub-continent, where all three predecessors enjoyed mixed fortunes.

"It is a huge patience game in the sub-continent and you have got to grind out Test wins. We know what it takes to win over here now but we have to do it when it counts."

Lee doubtful

Pace bowler Brett Lee sat out training on Saturday because of his injured left ankle and remains doubtful for the first Test.

Lee complained of soreness in his ankle, the same ankle that was operated on last year, during Australia's recent practice match against a Sri Lanka President's XI.

Lee was immediately taken to hospital and x-rays showed no structural damage.

Lee had been in explosive form, taking five wickets in the game, and was almost certain to share the new ball with Jason Gillespie in the opening test.

Australia coach John Buchanan said Lee would be given until Sunday to prove his fitness before the tourists finalised their team.

"There is obviously concern there but that is the reason why he is not out here today," said Buchanan.

"In a bowling sense he does not actually need to bowl so we are trying to give him an opportunity to get right for Monday."

Lee has taken 139 wickets at 31.66 in 37 Tests.-Reuters