RICKY Ponting will consider moving down the batting order if he believes there is a better candidate available for the pivotal number three position. While Ponting does not expect his place in the batting line-up to change in the foreseeable future, and certainly not during the third Test against Pakistan in Hobart, beginning tomorrow, it is significant he is willing to broach the issue.
Simon Katich returns following an elbow injury to replace Phil Hughes in the only change to the side which claimed such a spectacular victory in Sydney past week. Ponting is also much improved after an arm injury restricted him in the last two Tests and is likely to abandon the use of an arm guard he has reluctantly worn since suffering the blow in Perth a month ago. The injury has had a major bearing on why he is averaging just 27 in five Tests this summer, his worst performance in nine seasons.
Ponting turned 35 last month and there is a gathering debate over whether, after 14 prolific years of international cricket, he should consider moving down the order and let a younger batsman take on fresher bowlers and a newer ball. Former greats such as Viv Richards, Clive Lloyd, Allan Border and Greg Chappell dropped themselves down the order later in their careers. "If I don't think I'm the right person to bat there then I won't bat there," Ponting told The Australian yesterday.
