Australia skipper Ricky Ponting believes a long, hot day in the Leicester sun will only serve to harden his team's resolve ahead of the Ashes series which gets under way at Lord's on Thursday. The Australians had to settle for a draw on Sunday against Leicestershire in their only first-class warm-up match before facing England but Ponting was happy to look on the bright side.
"We've got pretty much what we expected out of the game - other than a win. We have got some really good quality time under our belts as far as the batting goes and two chances to bowl - so preparation-wise it has been perfect for us."
Australia toiled all day at Grace Road where compatriot Chris Rogers smashed 209 to help his side reach 363 for five at stumps.
The tourists had declared on their overnight 582-7, an innings graced by three centuries for Ponting, Justin Langer and Damien Martyn.
There were some important pointers for Australia.
As well as the three centurions, pace spearhead Brett Lee boosted his chance of a first Test place with 4-53 in Leicestershire's first-innings.
Western Australian Rogers, 27-years-old and who has never got close to an international call-up, admitted it was a great feeling to score his maiden double century.
But being a fellow Aussie didn't do him any favours.
Comments
Comments are closed.