Ponting’s revival in the series against India has Clarke maintaining the Tasmanian great can remain a vital component of Australia’s Test team for some time.

The 37-year-old Ponting has scored 263 runs at an average of 65.75 against India heading into the fourth Test starting in Adelaide today.

Clarke doesn’t believe the Adelaide fixture will be the last time he captains Ponting in the Test side.

‘‘No I don’t think so. I don’t think it will be,’’ Clarke said.

‘‘He’s in really good form right now - he has had a pretty good series.

‘‘I have seen Punter bat for a long time now and he’s hitting the ball very sweetly.

‘‘I’m certain Ricky has a lot of Test cricket left in him.’’

Clarke also retained faith in beleaguered wicketkeeper Brad Haddin, who admitted this week he was mentally drained.

Haddin conceded he shouldn’t have played for his Big Bash League outfit, the Sydney Sixers, last Wednesday when he made a second-ball duck and dropped a catch in a lacklustre performance.

But Clarke was adamant the 34-year-old gloveman was well prepared to make his mark in the Adelaide Test.

‘‘Mentally, he’s ready to go,’’ Clarke said of his wicketkeeper team-mate.

‘‘He has been keeping pretty well throughout this series.

‘‘His experience will play a big part [in Adelaide].

‘‘ It’s going to be tough conditions out there.’’