Ricky Ponting has the unanimous backing of selectors as he searches for runs to save his Test career and will play in the series decider against South Africa, coach Mickey Arthur said yesterday
The former Australia skipper, who turns 38 next month, has failed in three innings against the Proteas during draws in Brisbane and Adelaide and pressure is building on the 167-Test veteran ahead of Friday’s third Test in Perth.
Ponting admitted in Adelaide that he was a realist and knew that if he did not start scoring runs then he “definitely” would not be in England for the Ashes in July and August next year.
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Ricky Pontingu00a0
Arthur, who is also on the selection panel, told reporters that Ponting’s future had not been discussed by selectors.
“We unanimously back Ricky Ponting to get us some runs. By his own admission, Perth is a big test for him, but Ricky has prepared brilliantly, he’s really given us everything we could probably have asked,” Arthur said.
“He’ll leave no stone unturned in his preparation for Perth and I’m backing him for a big score in Perth, no doubt about that.
Mickey Arthur
“Inside the dressing room and privately we’ve all backed Ricky Ponting,” he added.
Ponting to lead PM XI
Meanwhile, Ponting was appointed captain of the Prime Minister's XI to face the West Indies in January.
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