Ponting backs Hussey, Lee to perform in the Ashes

LONDON - Australian cricket captain Ricky Ponting is backing veteran batsman Mike Hussey and fast bowler Brett Lee to find their best form in time for the Ashes.

Ponting says he is satisfied with Hussey’s efforts so far on the tour.

“Batting in the position he bats in one-day cricket and probably in Twenty20 cricket for us, sometimes you’re on a bit of a hiding to nothing,” the Sydney Morning Herald quoted Ponting, as saying.

“He goes out late in the innings today and misses out, he went in late in the innings against the West Indies and did a reasonable job. You can be judged pretty harshly batting late in the middle order in this form of the game,” he added.

Hussey’s performances have been inconsistent rather than poor in all forms of the game in recent months.

His Test average has slid from 80.58 at the start of 2008 to 55.29 following the series in South Africa, which ended in March.

He has two tons from his last 18 Tests - the last against India in October - but a handful of half centuries.

“I know how good a player Mike is and has been for Australia over the last few years and I know that he’s going to be an integral part of our Ashes campaign going forward as well,” said Ponting.

“We all know how good a bowler Brett can be and will be when he gets some more bowling under his belt,” Ponting added. (ANI)