Australian skipper Ricky Ponting has revealed his desire to return to county cricket with Somerset CCC before hanging up his boots.

Ponting averaged a Bradmanesque 99.0 in four first-class innings – including two centuries and a highest score of 117 against Glamorgan at Taunton – during a month-long cameo for Somerset in the build-up to the ICC Champions Trophy in 2004.

But Australia's relentless international itinerary has prevented the 35-year-old Tasmanian from completing his unfinished county business.

Ponting, Australia's leading run-scorer in Tests and one-day internationals, plans to make himself available to Somerset again in the next few years.

"I definitely want to go back to Somerset for another crack at county cricket," he said. "I had a great time there in 2004 and I've always wanted to go back for a longer stint.

"Playing so much international cricket, we don't get a lot of time off these days.

"But, in the future, I can see myself back at Taunton, for sure."

Ponting has plundered 12,000 Test runs at an average of 55.67, from 142 matches, and has made more Test hundreds (39) than anyone but Sachin Tendulkar (47).

Ponting also averages 43.24, from 343 one-day internationals – earning him the right to be revered as a modern day great, as well as one of the greatest batsmen the world has seen.

Ponting said: "I felt good playing there in 2004. Who knows what will happen in the future but coaching, playing, and just being around the Somerset group are possibilities."