Ponting inspires us, says Haddin

MELBOURNE - Australian wicketkeeper Brad Haddin feels it is important skipper Ricky Ponting play the fourth Ashes Test as his determination to take to the field despite a broken finger will only inspire the side.

Despite the mounting criticism over Ponting’s form and captaincy, Haddin said Ponting played a key role in the team’s confidence-boosting win in Perth last week to level the series 1-1.

“He’s our leader and we get a lot of inspiration from him,” Haddin was quoted as saying in the Herald Sun.

“You just have to see the turnaround we had from Adelaide to Perth to see the effect he has on the cricket team… it’s very important that he plays.”

“He’s going to have a bat tomorrow and with a bit of luck all that goes to plan… at this stage the finger is recovering well and with a bit of luck he’ll recover well for Boxing Day.

Ponting did vigorous training at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) here Thursday. Uncapped New South Wales (NSW) batsman Usman Khawaja is on standby for Ponting. The fourth Test begins Sunday, the Boxing Day.