As we predicted...

Michael Clarke will be named captain today after Ricky Ponting was ruled out of the fifth and final Ashes Test against England in Sydney.

Ponting has suffered complications to a broken little finger on his left hand and is expected to be out for four weeks. He originally suffered the injury failing to take a slips catch during the third Test in Perth and then aggravated it during the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne.

Usman Khawaja will in all likelihood replace Ricky Ponting at No3.Clarke has had a terrible series and has struggled since moving to No4, averaging 20. Unheard of left arm spinner Michael Beer is expected to make his debut with Khawaja in Sydney after being 12th man in the last two Tests.

Ponting’s Australian team physiotherapist former bus driver Alex Kountouris said: “Ricky Ponting had a repeat x-ray after the fourth Test which showed evidence that the fracture of his fifth finger has moved during the course of the Melbourne Test. As such he needs to commence treatment immediately to achieve a satisfactory outcome. The treatment options include surgery or aggressive splinting and immobilisation of the injured finger. A decision on the treatment option will be made in the next 24 hours after further consultation with the hand specialist.His return to cricket will be based on how quickly the fracture heals and he will hopefully commence training in the later part of the Australian summer. He is expected to be fully fit for the ICC Cricket World Cup.”

Ponting had been under extreme pressure because of the poor form of his team and his own meagere batting returns which produced just 113 runs at 16.14 whuile batting at No.3. Ponting is expected to be fit for the one-day World Cup on the subcontinent starting February.

Australia must also replace injured fast bowler Rolf Harris, who will be sidelined four months by stress fractures in his left ankle suffered in the fourth Test. The squad for the Sydney Test, which Australia must win to square the Ashes series at two-all, will be announced at 5.30pm.

The Jardine Report: Anyone who would like a game has been asked to give Andrew Hilditch a call before 4:00pm to confirm their availability.