Cricket Update: Ashes 2010- Australian Captain, Ricky Ponting has recovered to play in 4th Ashes Test
Speculations on Ricky Ponting being rested for 4th Ashes Test at MCG starting on Boxing Day have ended following his finger injury that came in last test at Perth that Australia won decisively. Ponting is almost certain to lead his team in the
4th test as he practiced in nets at MCG without any discomfort. He broke the little finger of his left hand while leading http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Australia-c746 to their first victory at Perth in the 3rd test of this year’s Ashes series. He faced bowling machine
along with couple of young net bowlers while practicing, although it will be different to face James Anderson and Chris Tremlett but he played net bowlers without any apparent discomfort. Usman Khwaja who is the http://www.senore.com/Cricket/New-South-Wales-c823 batsman, was called in as a
stand in batsmam for Ponting in case he is not match fit for the next Ashes test on Sunday but it is most likely that he will not be needed.
Australian vice captain, Michael Clarke, was quite happy to see Ponting recovering quickly from his finger injury. He said that Ponting looked confident and was not struggling in the nets while he batted, and the whole team is happy to see him back in action
in this ultimate battle of Ashes. He also said that following Ponting’s finger injury, Ponting will not be able to field in slips rather at mid off or mid on. He will also be able to take a closer look on the line which bowlers are bowling while fielding at
mid off or mid on and be able to talk to them as he has already fielded in that position in ODIs. Clark is also available to take Ponting’s place as his team’s vice captain if something happens to Ponting at any point of the match during the game. Clarke can
also play a role of second spinner if selectors stick with their four pace attack with Steven Smith as the only slow bowling option. About his bowling option, Clarke said that he has been bowling in nets and seems to be good with the ball. He’s been available
and fit to bowl in every test but main role of the spinner will definitely be played by Steven Smith. Smith’s selection over http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Michael-Beer-c1949 will totally depend on conditions and final decision will be made by seeing those conditions on the day before 3rd
test starts.
Both Ricky Ponting and Michael http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Clarke-c51120 are in some pressure from the team to get some runs in the forth coming test as they are the only top order batmen who could not attain significant sum of runs in last two Ashes tests except Clarke bringing 80 odd runs
in second innings at Adelaide. Other three batsmen of Australian top order Michael Hussey, Shane http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Watson-c96326 and Brad Haddin were quite successful, Hussey being most successful, who brought tons of runs for his team. About his performance with the bat, Michael
Clarke said that for past few days he was training and struggling hard in getting some runs for the team but after second innings at Adelaide where he made 80 runs, he has gained confidence and hopeful to get some runs at MCG as well. Australia has already
levelled the series 1-1 and needs to win another test and at least draw one to win this year’s Ashes series.
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