Ricky Ponting Gets Bitter News: Cannot Play Sydney Test As Injured Finger Goes Worse

Ricky Ponting hoped he would get another Test to prove a point. However, it appears fate has other designs for him.

ricky ponting ashes 8

Battling to retain his own personal credentials in the face of humiliation of England retaining the Ashes in Melbourne, Ricky Ponting hoped that the final Test in Sydney would endorse once more his ability as a captain and also, help him get runs under his belt to dismiss the low run thus far.

However, Ponting has now been ruled out of the fifth Test of the Ashes 2010 at the Sydney Cricket Ground as his fractured little finger on his left hand, with which he played the fourth Test in Melbourne, has reportedly worsened as a result.

The danger for the Australian captain is not just losing the captaincy but also, the fact that if he does not take immediate action on his finger, including the possibility of a surgery, his ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 plans could be in jeopardy. With that in mind, Ponting has been asked to miss the fifth Test.

Ponting's absence could be blessing for Usman Khwaja who has waited all year for the opportunity to make his Test debut. Rated highly in domestic circles, if Khwaja does make his debut, he will have a difficult task before him as Australia will look to restore a semblance of ability about them as they look to prevent England from winning the Ashes outright.

Nothing short of a win will do for Australia and it will be interesting to see if the Australian selectors continue to repose their faith in Michael Clarke who has been battling a back problem as well as poor run with the bat, leading to speculation amongst former Australian cricketers who are divided as to who should take over the Australian captaincy with Brad Haddin, the wicket keeper, being thrown into the discussion.