1 February 2008

Australian captain Ricky Ponting has been ruled out of the Twenty20 International against Inda in Melbourne with a back injury.

Michael Clarke will deputise as captain with Adam Voges coming into the side. Brad Hodge is likely to bat at Ponting's normal position of number three.

Ponting suffered with back pain during the fourth Test against India in Adelaide.

"He pulled up pretty sore this morning," Australian coach Tim Nielsen told reporters on Friday. "His back is just not 100 percent.

"With the uncertain nature of Twenty20 cricket and the frantic nature of it we're just a bit concerned that if he has to dive in the first over if we're fielding and pulls up very sore it could leave us one short."

Other Top Stories