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| August 31, 2005 | Wednesday | Rajab 25, 1426 |
Aussies unlikely to make many changes
NOTTINGHAM, Aug 30: Skipper Ricky Ponting insisted on Tuesday that Australia will not be panicked into any knee-jerk selection decisions, despite trailing the Ashes 2-1 with one Test to play.
“I’d be very surprised if we made a change. None of our batsmen are in a lean trot. Guys are making 20s, 30s and 40s and getting out which is unusual.”
Australia were without Glenn McGrath for Trent Bridge loss, and Ponting admitted doubts remained over the paceman’s fitness for the final Test.
The 35-year-old has missed second Test with a freak ankle ligament injury and fourth Test with an elbow injury — both matches England won.
“We’ve got to look at how Glenn’s going to come up,” said Ponting. “I am not really sure how he is right now or if he’s going to be fit.”
Batsmen Matthew Hayden and Damien Martyn have come in for particular criticism after falling short of their usual high standards on Ashes tour.
Hayden has been one of the most dependable members of Australia’s batting line-up in his 71-Test career, with a Test average of 51.31 and 20 centuries to his name.
But 33-year-old opener has struggled against England’s attack, and a series average of 22.5 and a highest score of 36 tell their own story.—Agencies
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