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28 March 2024

Ponting admits batting weakness

Published
By Agencies
Australian captain Ricky Ponting says that his team need to come to grips with the West Indies bowling to truly dominate the hosts.

Australia are looking to wrap-up another series victory in the Caribbean, but they will be making a bitter-sweet entry into the second Test against West Indies, starting today at the Vivian Richards Cricket Ground.

It will be bitter, following the decision to allow left-handed opener Matthew Hayden to return home, after his damaged right Achilles tendon failed to respond to treatment.

Hayden will pursue further treatment options after he visits specialists on his return to Australia.

"In both innings, we lost wickets early and to be four down for 18 in the second innings was a worry," said Ponting.

"But there was some good bowling in there. It was a situation where it was an unsettling sort of time to have to bat, only an hour left in the fourth¸ day's play, just trying to get through the session rather than playing your natural game.

"But I think that showed that the West Indies bowling attack is going to be dangerous on home conditions, especially with the new ball. If we can get through this, we should be okay." (AFP)