Aggression with a smile

Australian captain Ricky Ponting has dismissed claims that the Ashes was lost because they were too friendly with the English players.

Ponting said they would take the same approach as previously in the upcoming Ashes, which is at odds with Australian selector Merv Hughes who says the players are “too matey” with the opposition.

Ponting counted that by saying “you can still be aggressive with a smile on your face”.

The first of five Ashes Tests starts on 23rd November at The Gabba in Brisbane.