Ponting Fractures Thumb

Australia’s preparations for the upcoming Indian tour have been severely impeded with the news that captain Ricky Ponting has been ruled out of the first test against the Indians in Bangalore on October the 6th due to injury.


Ponting fractured his left thumb while fielding during Australia’s six-wicket loss at the hands of the English in the Champions Trophy semi-final. X-rays taken the day after the game confirmed the fracture and Australian team physio Errol Alcott said that Ponting would definitely miss the first test in Bangalore and there was still some doubt over wether or not he would be fit for the second test in Chennai, eight days later.


It was decided that Ponting would return to Australia, "The scans have detected a fracture in his left thumb, and we feel that it is in his best interests to get home now and receive the best possible medical advice.” explained Alcott.


As expected, Ponting was disheartened by the news, saying, "I'm obviously very disappointed but have great faith in all of my team-mates to do the job in my absence"


However, he showed some optimism about his recovery, "I'll do everything I can to get back as quickly as possible, but to achieve that I will have to be guided by the experts. I desperately want to be on that plane to India, and if everything goes according to plan, I'll still be able to play some part in the series”


Ponting also commented on the importance of this series often reffered to as the ‘final frontier’ of Australian cricket, "This series means so much to us all. It could be one of the biggest Test series ever played."


The selectors have not yet chosen a replacement but it is expected that vice-captain Adam Gilchrist will be named skipper in Ponting’s absence.


Posted by Alex