da imperador bet： Ricky Ponting expects to assume greater responsibility when Australia’sregenerating team begin their three-Test assignment against West Indies
Peter English at the Gabba02-Nov-2005
Michael Hussey: one of the players who gives this Australian team a new look © Getty Images
Ricky Ponting expects to assume greater responsibility when Australia’sregenerating team begin their three-Test assignment against West Indies atBrisbane on Thursday. The post-Ashes clear-out has given the home side ashiny look over the past month and another fresh coat was confirmed withNathan Bracken picked ahead of Stuart MacGill.Australia’s line-up suddenly has a strangely unfamiliar feel following theadditions of Hussey, Bracken and Watson, and the withdrawal of Justin Langerwith a rib fracture on Tuesday. “They may be less experienced at Test level,but they’ve all got a lot of experience under their belts and been aroundthe Australian structure for a while,” Ponting said. “There’s a slightlydifferent feel with players like Martyn, Gillespie and Kasprowicz not in theside and Langer out.”Shane Watson was confirmed as the side’s allrounder and Ponting hoped thesquad would remain settled over the summer. “There’s more responsibility onthe batters to put their hand up with some of the inexperience in the middleorder,” he said. “Shane is going to be given a run and Bracken is in goodform and has a great record up here.” The pitch shows tinges of green andMacGill will be released to play for New South Wales in Perth on Friday.West Indies delayed finalising their side but will have a full bowlingcontingent to pick from after the fast men recovered from niggles sufferedin the lead-up and during the Queensland game. However, the players werealready concerned by reports here and in the Caribbean that they will bewhipping boys for Australia and Shivnarine Chanderpaul hoped they would useit as motivation.”Australia are a strong team but we have a good team also,” he said. “We’vebeaten them in the Caribbean chasing a huge total and I know we can win outhere.”Catching was an area of concern after last week’s warm-up and on Tuesday theplayers received 100 each at training, where there were no net bowlersprovided. “The guys are gelling and helping each other, it’s a wonderfulsight,” Chanderpaul said. “Obviously we want to win and go out there andplay some tough cricket.”Ponting was wary of the West Indies threat and after viewing footage oftheir inexperienced attack said they would be treated with respect. “We knowthey are a very dangerous side and we’ve spoken about that,” he said. “Thebatting is very good with quality down the list and their bowling can bedangerous.”