By Tony Wright
It was a make or break net session for the man they call punter, but the Australian captain's broken finger appeared to hold up well, as he told an interested spectator.
And interest was higher still as hundreds of fans lined the outdoor nets, keen to see how Ponting was shaping up.
“He said it felt pretty good after facing some bowls in the machine and then facing some bowlers, but obviously we’re all very hopeful, and pretty confident that unless they cut his finger off it will be real hard to leave punter out,” says Australian vice-captain Michael Clarke.
The Aussie selectors have yet to decide if spinner Michael Beer will receive his first cap, but the journeyman at least has the backing of his vice captain.
“I think if he gets the opportunity he'll do well, he's a wonderful guy.”
Wonderful guy or not it remains to be seen if England's batter's will take a liking to him.
The talk from their camp was about rebuilding some confidence after a poor showing in Perth.
“I talk about my own experiences with cricket and things sometimes don't go your way, but I tell you what it can turn around really quickly & you can be a real champion and hero the next day,” says English batsman Jonathan Trott.
And the pom's hopes of retaining the urn have received a major boost, with paceman James Anderson bowling freely in the nets, apparently over his side strain.
A world record crowd of more than 91, 000 is expected at the MCG tomorrow, on the first day of a test match that if England can win, will see them retain the Ashes.
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