LEEDS, England, (Reuters) – Australia have the momentum going into the fourth Ashes test of a fluctuating series, their captain Ricky Ponting said yesterday.
Australia batted through the final day of the last test at Edgbaston to salvage a draw and remain just 1-0 down to England with two matches left starting at Headingley today.
“The momentum has swung throughout the series and the way we batted in the second innings at Edgbaston has left a really positive feeling around our group,” Ponting told a news conference yesterday. “This is a massive game for all of us. Expect us to come out and play well tomorrow.” Ponting said Australia still had a few minor injury concerns, including in-form batsman Michael Clarke who did not train on Wednesday due to a stomach injury.
“Knowing the sort of bloke he is I wouldn’t read too much into that,” Ponting said.
Wicketkeeper Brad Haddin missed the last test with a finger injury but Ponting said he might be fit to play at Headingley.
“It was good to see Brad with the gloves on again and he had a good hit-out with the bat as well,” Ponting said. “We’ll have another look at him this afternoon.”
FRESHEN UP
Ponting said seamers Stuart Clark and Brett Lee would come into consideration to freshen up the touring side’s attack.
“Stuart is in contention as he has been throughout the series,” Ponting said. “Brett ran in as hard as he has for a while yesterday but the selectors will have to decide whether he has done enough bowling.” Ponting confirmed that he was involved in an incident with an England fan as he walked off the field at Edgbaston but played down its significance.
“There were some words exchanged but as it turned out he was later thrown out of the ground,” said Ponting who has also been booed by the home crowds during the series.
“It (the booing) doesn’t worry me and it hasn’t worried me right from the start. We enjoy the crowd getting involved and I’ve always said the Barmy Army (England’s travelling fans) are the best group of supporters in any sport around the world.”
