The Queanbeyan product has reaffirmed his status as the country's first-choice gloveman in both the Test and one-day formats after standing down from last year's tour of the West Indies for family reasons.

Haddin's form with both the gloves and the bat was a bright spot for Australia in this year's 3-1 series loss in England.

He has also regained his place in the Australian one-day team for the current tour of India and has stated a desire to continue his career until the 2015 World Cup.

Ponting believed Haddin, who turned 36 on Wednesday, possesses the type of fighting qualities that will be invaluable in bringing back the urn back Down Under.

''It's great to see him back and enjoying his cricket,'' Ponting said.

''Having an experienced guy like him is what Australian cricket needs.

''He's the sort of competitive bloke you want around big series.

''His keeping is fantastic and his batting is very dangerous, so he's the sort of guy that you want.''

Ponting was in Canberra at the Dymocks stores in Tuggeranong and Belconnen on Friday to promote his new book, At The Close of Play.

It was his first visit to the ACT since captaining the PM's XI against the West Indies at Manuka Oval in January this year. The historic fixture was the first match under lights at the venue, with the Australian team making its inaugural appearance at the ground a week later.

The PM's XI will face England on January 14 in a one-day contest.

Ponting believed that would be the preferred option for the long term instead of switching to a Twenty20 contest.

''I think it's better being a 50-over game,'' Ponting said.

''With Canberra not getting a lot of international cricket, I think the more we can give here the better.

''I'm sure the fans would prefer to have a longer format game than a Twenty20 game.''