ADELAIDE, Australia: Ricky Ponting is hoping a return to the Adelaide Oval, his favoured hunting ground, will kill his run of ducks against South Africa in tomorrow’s second Test.
The former Test skipper was out for nought in Australia’s massive first innings of 565 for five declared in last week’s drawn first Brisbane Test -- his third duck in four Test innings against the Proteas.
“I don’t shy away from it,” Ponting told reporters yesterday.
“I’ve been around enough and played in enough high pressure situations, whether it’s a big game or a game where you’re under pressure because you haven’t scored runs yourself.”
South Africa celebrated a big wicket when they had Ponting out edging to the slips early off Morne Morkel at the Gabba.
“I was disappointed last week with all the work I put in pre-season and to make a little error like that and have your game over and done with in five balls was disappointing,” he said.
“But it’s a fresh start this week. When it’s my turn to bat I must make sure I’m one of the guys who contributes.”
Ponting, who turns 38 next month and is playing his 167th Test match this week. AFP
