LONDON, Sept 1: Skipper Ricky Ponting admits Australia could enter ICC Cricket Champions Trophy without settling on a first-choice bowling attack because of the rich form of its four quicks.

Glenn McGrath, Jason Gilliespie, Michael Kasprowicz and Brett Lee have Ponting stumped because the captain says it is difficult to choose a top-three for Australia's tournament opener against the US in Southampton on Sept 13.

Kasprowicz was left out for last Saturday's victory over Pakistan in Amsterdam but will play in Saturday's warm-up clash with Pakistan at Lords. "We don't have a set combination and it could come down to conditions or make-up of opposition team. Who knows," Ponting said.

"We've experimented with three or four guys with new ball. Glenn didn't take new ball all the time in West Indies (last year) just for sheer fact that Brett can swing ball back into left-handers."

Lee looked sharp in Amsterdam during his comeback from ankle problems and remains X-factor because of his ability to rip into opposition teams. Ponting has played a strong role in Lee's development as a one-day bowler since claiming two years ago that he was giving away too many runs.

"We knew he had that sheer wicket-taking ability and he's always going to have that because of how fast he bowls but we wanted him to have more of a thought-process in place about how he was going to bowl his 10 overs," he said. "If he is bowling well, he has to come into calculations." -PPI

Opinion

Editorial

GB polls’ aftermath
Updated 11 Jun, 2026

GB polls’ aftermath

The new administration must address the region’s issues proactively.
Peace in retreat
11 Jun, 2026

Peace in retreat

THE ceasefire announced in April was supposed to create space for negotiations. Instead, it has been repeatedly...
A few good men
11 Jun, 2026

A few good men

IT was a brave move, no doubt. This Tuesday, in the land of the Afghan Taliban, a few good men decided to take a...
Centre vs provinces
Updated 10 Jun, 2026

Centre vs provinces

The reason the centre finds itself in this position is rooted in its failure to expand the tax net and boost revenues.
Party in crisis
10 Jun, 2026

Party in crisis

THE young KP chief minister must be starting to realise just how thorny a seat he occupies. There has been a flurry...
Varsity woes
10 Jun, 2026

Varsity woes

FINANCIAL crises affecting public sector universities across Pakistan are now having an impact on academic...