Ricky Ponting out of the final Test
The Australian captain will miss the final match of the Ashes series due to the injury he sustained in the Perth Test.
Before the fourth Test match at Melbourne, Ponting was doubtful to make it to the final eleven but the 36 year old veteran decided to take part in the match regardless of his fractured finger.
After the match, the x-ray report revealed that the fracture had moved which was in Ponting’s little finger of the left hand and that ruled him out of the Sydney Test. Ponting said that the news was devastating for him.
Commenting on his injury, Ponting said, “I'm devastated to tell you the truth, it was the news I was dreading. During the game I didn't think I'd done too much more to it.” Team physiotherapist http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Alex-Kountouris-c43123 said that Ponting required immediate treatment
in order to get fit in time for the World Cup.
The Australian team has been under the scanner following its dismal show in the Ashes series and Ponting has been unable to perform up to his standards. He has just scored 113 runs in eight innings. Although he is currently going through one of his worst
dips in form, Ponting has no thoughts of retiring.
He said, “I'm not thinking about it at all.” Due to the injury, Ponting will be out from the ODI matches against England and his first match after injury may be the warm-up game against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/India-c750 in the World Cup 2011.
Vice Captain Michael http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Usman-Khawaja-c2729 is likely to replace Ponting for the final match.
Khawaja has been with the team since the http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Pakistan-c755 tour and has performed exceptionally well in the domestic season. He has averaged 75.76 in the Sheffield Shield cup and many cricketers including Ponting have been impressed with Khawaja’s performances.
The treatment on Ponting’s finger will be determined within the next 24 hours and this rest from cricket might just be what Ponting needs to regain some form.
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