Cricket: Australia ‘A’ recover against South Africa

Australia recovers from a setback, but Ponting is pulled out with an injury.

SYDNEY: Australia ‘A’ recovered from an early setback to thwart South Africa’s Test-strength bowling attack on the opening day of their three-day tour match at the Sydney Cricket Ground yesterday.

Australia ‘A’ fought back from 44 for three in the 14th over to be 325 for seven off 90 overs at the close after winning the toss in the tour warm-up game before next week’s opening Test in Brisbane.

Meanwhile, Australian batsman Ricky Ponting was pulled out of a Sheffield Shield game yesterday with a hamstring injury. He developed ‘some hamstring soreness during the game’, said Cricket Australia (CA).

“This is a precautionary move to ensure Ricky has the best possible preparation for the first Test against South Africa in Brisbane next week,” said CA’s team performance manager Pat Howard.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 3^rd, 2012.