Ponting will join Australia squad

Ricky Ponting

Ponting is still expected to lead Australia's bid in South Africa
Australia captain Ricky Ponting will join up with the rest of the World Twenty20 squad in South Africa after his wife recovered from a health scare.

His participation in the inaugural event had been in doubt after he stayed behind in Australia while the party left for the tournament on Monday.

But he said he would now travel to Johannesburg in time for the ICC's annual awards dinner on Monday.

"I hope travel plans can be finalised as soon as possible," said Ponting.

"Fortunately Rianna's health has improved over the last few days. I'm grateful for the support we've both had from Cricket Australia and my team mates.

"It made things easier here knowing the team was in such good hands."

Ponting's arrival will be a further boost for Australia, after all-rounder Shane Watson was passed fit to also join the squad after a hamstring injury.

Physio Alex Kountouris said he had "recovered sufficiently" to be allowed to travel, though it is not yet known when Watson will be fit to play a match.

Kountouris added that he was joining the team "with a view towards playing at some stage" during the tournament, which starts next Tuesday.

Paceman Stuart Clark arrived in the host country on Thursday after tending to his sick son.

Australia get their tournament underway against Zimbabwe in Cape Town next Wednesday.