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Ponting still in doubt
09:45, Dec 23 2009
Australia captain Ricky Ponting remains in doubt for the Boxing Day Test against Pakistan at the MCG after failing to bat during Wednesday's practice session.
Just three days before the opening Test of the three-match series, Ponting could only join in fielding drills as he battled to overcome an elbow injury sustained during the Perth Test against the West Indies.
Australia wicketkeeper Brad Haddin downplayed the fact that Ponting was unable to bat and admitted he was confident the skipper would lead the team out on Saturday, saying: "I don't think he will have a bat until the next couple of days but he moved pretty well in the field. It's not unusual for someone not to have a hit a couple of days out (from a Test match)."
Haddin said if there was any player capable of overcoming such a serious injury in a short space of time it was Ponting.
"Ricky Ponting is a very tough character, he is our leader so we are planning on him being around and let's hope he is ready for Boxing Day," he said.
"We are still planning at this stage that Ricky will be available and it will take a lot for him to miss the Boxing Day Test.
"He has got a phenomenal record in Boxing Day Test matches and big Test matches in general and it doesn't get much bigger than Boxing Day."
Should Ponting be ruled out, Michael Clarke would captain Australia in a Test for the first time.
Australia would also have to alter their batting line-up, with opener Phillip Hughes returning to the team at the top of the order to partner either Simon Katich or Shane Watson.
If he were to partner Watson that would mean Katich would then move to number three - where he bats for New South Wales - leaving the middle order unchanged, while the other option would be to pair Hughes with Katich and move Watson to number six.
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