Cricket Australia withdraws Ricky Ponting from Bupa Sheffield Shield game with hamstring soreness
Cricket Australia (CA) advises that Ricky Ponting has been withdrawn from the Bupa Sheffield Shield game against South Australia after developing some hamstring soreness during the game. This is a precautionary move to ensure he has the best possible preparation for the first Vodafone Test against South Africa.
CA Executive General Manager Team Performance Pat Howard said: “This is a precautionary move to ensure Ricky has the best possible preparation for the first Vodafone Test against South Africa in Brisbane next week.
“We’ve opted to withdraw Ricky from the game. If this wasn’t a week out from the first Vodafone Test then Ricky would continue with the match, but we don’t want to take that risk. We expect Ricky to be fit for the first Vodafone Test against South Africa.”
CA has permitted Steve Cazzulino to replace Ponting in the match.