Ponting to pick a Pom

Australian Captain Ricky Ponting has given his seal of approval for controversial English all-rounder Andrew Symonds to be named in the Australian Ashes squad later today.

Symonds, the injury prone Shane Watson, incumbent all-rounder Andrew McDonald, frequently overlooked Brad Hodge and outsider Callum Ferguson are thought to be battling it out for the last two spots in the 16-man touring party to be named at 11am EDST.

Ponting said he wouldn't be surprised if Symonds was the selectors' choice. Which is certainly throwing down the gauntlet to his selectors.

Ricky Ponting was not quoted as saying, "He has had his share of bottles over the last 12 months, obviously the well-documented stuff off the field". He did however say in The Australian, "He's worked his way back into domestic cricket pretty well and played well for us over in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. He's a great guy to have around a team. There is no doubt about that and obviously the selectors are going to have some tough decisions to make in the coming hours I guess."

Ponting, unsurprisingly didn't think Symonds' off-field problems would be held against him. Australian sporting culture is currently overloaded with tales of alcohol abuse and sexual misconduct and Ponting’s approach is in line with the majority of senior administrators thinking. Surprisingly though he also didn’t think that Symonds’ lack of runs at first-class level would be held against him either.

In a rather pathetic and predictable start to hostilities Ponting yesterday took a swipe at his England counterpart and said it was important to keep Andrew Strauss quiet.

Strauss played a key role at the top of the order in England's 2-1 series win four years ago. Since taking over the captaincy, Strauss has scored 597 runs at 59.70 in seven Tests against the West Indies compared to a career average of 43.96.

Jardine’s Verdict: The inclusion of Symonds in the test squad wouldbe a strong indication of the Australian mindset. It will also be a marked change in selection policy from the tried and tested picking the best XI to the not so proven picking your best mates. We should all know soon.

Jardine’s Touring 16: Ponting (Captain), Clarke (VC), Haddin, Hughes, Katich, M Hussey, Hilfenhaus, Johnson, Lee, Siddle, Hauritz, McDonald, Clark, Symonds, North, Manou