Ponting May Return For Second One-Day International
Ricky Ponting.
©REUTERS/Mike Hutchings (SOUTH AFRICA). Picture Supplied by Action Images
He missed the first match, which was abandoned due to rain with the hamstring strain which he picked up in the ICC World Twenty20 tournament, although his recovery is coming along well.
Stand-in captain Adam Gilchrist told reporters, "Ponting is progressing very well. He has a good chance of playing tomorrow without necessarily being a certain starter."
Meanwhile, Australia, already missing Shane Watson, Mike Hussey and Shaun Tait through injury, will welcome Nathan Bracken back into the fold when he rejoins the squad in time for the third match in Hyderabad having been allowed to return to Australia for the birth of his first child.
With rain around, both sides have been unable to train properly and the forecast is not promising.
"Tricky situation, and all reports are that there is going to be no chance and rain will keep coming," Gilchrist added.
"You got to be careful not to totally switch off and almost get into a holiday mode and all of a sudden be out there to play a one-day international."
Meanwhile, India's Harbhajan Singh will be fit for selection after a neck injury cleared up.
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