Ponting returns to nets, Ferguson in for Marsh

SYDNEY, (Reuters) – Australia captain Ricky Ponting  made a return to training yesterday as he bids to be fit in  time for the World Cup, while batsmen Callum Ferguson was rushed  into the squad for the final two one-day internationals against England.

Ricky Ponting

Ponting broke his finger during the Boxing Day test and was  forced to have surgery. He has missed the entire one-day series  against England, which Australia have already sealed 4-1 with  their 51-run victory in Brisbane on Sunday.

Ponting spent about an hour batting in the nets yesterday,  while fast bowler Shaun Tait, who broke down earlier in the  series with a leg muscle strain also practiced and is expected  to be available for the next match today in Sydney.

Ferguson was called into the side as cover for the injured  Shaun Marsh, who has been ruled out for the remainder of the  series.

Marsh injured his right hamstring in the victory in Brisbane  on Sunday and had scans on Tuesday.

“Scans have confirmed Shaun has a low grade right hamstring  injury,” team physiotherapist Alex Kountouris said.

“He will return to Perth …and will be reviewed again later  this week when the Australian team arrives for the final match  of the ….series.

“He will be unavailable for the two remaining games against  England and his return to cricket will be determined by his  progress over the next week.”

Marsh was himself a late addition to the squad for the  England series after Mike Hussey had surgery on a hamstring  injury which put in doubt his participation in the World Cup and  Marsh was his likely replacement should he be ruled out.

The final game of the series in Perth on Sunday.

The World Cup starts on Feb. 19.