Ponting set to return for fourth Test

October 19, 2004 12:05 IST

Australia's injured captain Ricky Ponting is hoping to be fit to return for the fourth Test against India next month.

"Today's x-rays confirmed that his thumb is healing well, and he is hopeful of being fit for the fourth Test in Mumbai (Bombay) which starts on November 3," Cricket Australia (CA) said in a statement on Tuesday.

The 29-year-old batsman fractured his left thumb while fielding at slip during last month's ICC Champions Trophy semi-final defeat by hosts England.

Ponting was ruled out of the third Test against India after having x-rays last week.

"His grip is a lot stronger than what it was, and whilst he will fall a few days short of being right for the third Test (in Nagpur starting on October 26), we are hopeful that he will be fit for the final Test of the series," team doctor Trefor James said.

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"We will monitor his progress in India in the lead-up to the fourth Test before making a final decision," James added.

"Obviously I'm not certain to play but I have a lot more strength and movement in my hand," Ponting said.

"I should be okay to start hitting balls by the end of this week and will continue to work on it when I join the squad later this week," added Ponting, who has scored 20 centuries in 79 Tests.

Australia lead the four-match series 1-0 after the final day's play in the second Test in Madras was washed out on Monday.

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