Oval Test might not be Ponting’s last Test on English soil

LONDON - Australian captain Ricky Ponting has said that he hasn’t thought about the final Ashes Test match at The Oval being his final Test match against England on their soil.

Ponting is unlikely to play in the next Ashes series on English soil, which would be held in 2013, but he avoided declaring The Oval Test as the last.

“I haven’t really thought about whether this is my last Test here or not, I’ve just been focusing on my preparation going into the game,” The Sydney Morning Herald quoted Ponting, as saying.

“I’m really enjoying cricket at the moment, I’ve never put a time frame on when I’m thinking about finishing my international career,” he added.

The 34-year-old also said that he has really enjoyed playing with the fresh lot of players, following retirement of numerous senior players in the past one year.

“It’s been one of the big challenges in my career. We’ve had some good successes along the way and long may that continue,” he said.

“I need a good break or some time away at some stage to think about when the end might be, but that won’t be for a while yet. I’m really enjoying it now, hopefully I can make some runs this week and not have to worry about it for a while,” he added.

Ponting further said that he might play in England next year, if their cancelled Test series against Pakistan gets rescheduled in England.

“One thing I’m hoping is that we might play Pakistan here in those (cancelled) games next year, which means I’ll be back here for sure,” Ponting said. (ANI)