RICKY Ponting has fired a warning shot to New Zealand ahead of Thursday’s first Test in Brisbane, insisting that a big score is just around the corner. The 36-year-old showed glimpses that his best is not far away in a gritty 62 that helped Australia chase down 310 in the second Test against South Africa in Johannesburg last week.
Although that was his first half-century in 14 Test-match innings, Ponting – who has scored 12 557 Test runs – said: “Someone’s going to pay at some stage. I’m working too hard for someone not to pay.
“That’s the way I’m looking at it. I honestly believe in my own heart that I have still got what it takes to be one of the best players in world cricket.”
He added: “I’m searching high and low to find the answers to get me back to where I want to be. I saw glimpses of some really positive stuff through the South African tour. Obviously to get some runs in the last innings of the last Test was satisfying as well knowing how hard I had worked.”
Ponting denied suggestions he would need to be tapped on the shoulder when it was time to retire, with the Tasmanian adamant that he still had the drive and desire to play at the highest level for his country.
“I totally understand why I’m being asked the questions I’m being asked (about his future) but, at the same token, I believe I’m good enough to be in the team and that I’m good enough to win games for Australia,” he said.
“If I keep doing the work that I’m doing and not getting the results, then maybe it’s time but, at the moment, I don’t feel that time is here just yet. I feel there’s enough there to want to keep working hard.”
Meanwhile, paceman Patrick Cummins has targeted the second Test in Hobart as his return date from a heel problem.
The 18-year-old starred on his Test debut against South Africa, taking six for 79 in the second innings before hitting the winning runs.
“That’s the aim (returning for Hobart),” said Cummins. “I probably could have tried to rush back for the next Test but it’s all about managing it for the summer. It’s not a long-term injury, it’s a really minor injury and it should be a matter of days as opposed to weeks. (PA Sport)