Sydney, Nov 23: Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting's Test career remains uncertain, but Shaun Marsh's back injury could save his Test future despite a year of poor form.
Since the Ashes last December, Ponting has averaged just 14.15 from 13 innings.
While Marsh is doubtful for Western Australia's Sheffield Shield clash with New South Wales this week, Shane Watson too could be missing from the XI at the Gabba in Brisbane.
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, the new panel headed by John Inverarity convenes this week to pick its debut Test squad.
Meanwhile Ricky Ponting is determined to play in Test cricket and keep his place. "Of course I want to keep playing. I really enjoy it and always have. It's a great team to be a part of at the moment," the Herald Sun quoted Ponting, as saying.
"I want to be around and hopefully be able to have some sort of impact on the way the team plays. If I keep doing my job, then hopefully I keep getting picked," he added.
Failure of the ageing batting line-up against South Africa will be one of many items on Inverarity's agenda, but there are more problems than solutions being presented.
Selectors would rather ignore Ponting knowing they have enough reinforcements to call upon.
With Marsh and Watson doubtful for the Test against New Zealand, its a test for the batting talent waiting in the wings.
Marsh was confident last week he would be fit to play in Brisbane but was sent back home due to a back injury. His injury prone career is a concern for selectors as they pick their first senior squad.
The first Test starts in Brisbane on Thursday, December 1.
Source: http://www.thatscricket.com/news/2011/11/23/marshs-injury-may-hand-ponting-a-test-lifeline.html
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