Ricky Ponting likely to lead his side at the Boxing Day Test
It is very hard to keep some players out of the game. Ricky Ponting is definitely one of those players who are very tough competitors. He has been under criticism due to his batting failures and he had an injury to his little finger in the left hand during
the Perth Test. This may have been an opportunity for him to take some rest from the game but he is not one who gives up easily.
It is almost certain that the Australian captain will be leading his side at the Boxing Day Test match. Ponting has been practicing in the nets facing the bowling machine and some young bowlers and he was comfortable playing them.
Although he was comfortable in the nets but it is a very different ball game playing the likes of James Anderson and Chris Tremlett in the match. Michael Clarke was set to lead the side in the Melbourne Test but he also was confident that Ponting will not
miss out.
Commenting on Ponting, he said, “He said it felt pretty good after facing some balls on the machines and facing the bowlers. We're all hopeful and confident. Unless they cut his finger off, it's going to be really hard to leave Punter out. He's going to
have to wait until tomorrow to see how it pulls up after having a bat today. But he's pretty happy with how things went today.”
Clarke hasn’t been able to perform well in the Ashes so far and he was also disappointed at his performance. Apart form 80 in the second innings of the Adelaide Test, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Clarke-c51120 has not been able to make any other worthy score in the series.
Reflecting on his form Clarke said, “I thought I batted pretty well in the second innings in Adelaide. I made 80-odd which is nice. I was disappointed to get out in the last over of the day there. I felt very good in the second innings in Perth as well.
I feel like I'm doing all the work. I feel like I'm training hard and hopefully there's some runs coming for Christmas this year for me.”
Considering the bad form of Clarke, Ponting would be very crucial in the Melbourne Test match. If he is unable to be a part of the team it will add extra pressure on Clarke to lead the side. Ponting will not be able to field in the slips as he is not fully
fit. Due to his injury, he will be fielding in a safer region than the slips but if there is any problem with his finger during the match, that will be more trouble for Australia.
Ponting is a fighter and he will not give up at any time. He is known to be mentally tough and he will look forward to better hi reputation by playing the Boxing Day Test match. Former opening batsman for http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Australia-c746 Justin Langer claimed that Ponting’s injury
will help him regain his form as he will get some rest.
The series is poised at one all at the moment and the next Test match is very important for both the teams. A win for England will secure that the Ashes will be retained by them but Australia will attack England and make sure that this doesn’t happen.
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