Ponting likely to be fit for Sri Lanka tour

Ricky Ponting pictured during an Australian net session © Getty Images

Melbourne: May 27, 2011

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Injured former skipper Ricky Ponting is recovering well after surgery to his left finger and is expected to be available for Australia’s Test tour to Sri Lanka in August, the team physio said.

Ponting underwent a minor surgery after Australia’s ODI series against Bangladesh last month.

“Ricky Ponting also had minor surgery to remove screws that were placed to stabilise his fractured left fifth finger in January. His preparation for the tour of Sri Lanka is not expected to be affected by this minor procedure,” Australian team physio Alex Kountouris said.

Kountouris said young leg-spinner Steve Smith, who underwent left ankle surgery, wicketkeeper Brad Haddin and back-up glovesman Tim Paine are also recovering from injuries and expected to be available for selection.

“Haddin is making good recovery from a small fracture to middle finger of his left hand. He has returned to his fitness training and will commence batting and wicketkeeping in June as part of his preparation for Lankan tour,” Kountouris was quoted as saying by Australian Associated Press.

“Tim had minor surgery to remove metal plate and screws that were part of surgery for a right index finger fracture in November. He has commenced light training and is expected to be fully recovered in time to lead Australia A squad on its tour to Zimbabwe beginning at end of June,” he added.

However, off-spinner Nathan Hauritz’s availability is still in doubt following his shoulder injury.

“His availability for Lankan tour will be based on how he further progresses through rehabilitation program over next month,” he said.

© PTI