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Ponting expects improved performance from pacers

Source: ANI
July 21, 2010 11:56 IST

Skipper Ricky Ponting has asked Australian fast bowlers to overcome their lacklustre form at Lord's and perform in the second Test against Pakistan at Headingley.

Australia bowled Pakistan out twice within four days to convincingly win the match, 11 of those 20 wickets came from all rounder Shane Watson and part time bowler Marcus North.

He said that Australian pacers, except stock bowler Hilfenhaus, were too preoccupied by the bowler-friendly conditions at Lord's, in which the ball was moving freely in the air.

"Our fast bowlers probably tried a little bit too hard I think, in conditions that were suiting the quicker bowlers. I think they probably tried to get a bit too much out of the wicket," The Sydney Morning Herald quoted Ponting, as saying.

"That can happen here as well because we know that this place is a place that can nip about a bit for the seamers, so we've spoken about that a bit this morning," he said.

Based on the team's pre-match training at Headingley, Ponting predicted more swing for the pacemen in this Test even if the theoretically ideal overcast conditions do not occur.

"It was interesting. The sun was out today and the ball (still) swung a lot at training today. It's probably a bit more humid than normal as well so that's probably got something to do with the ball swinging a little bit," Ponting said.

Ponting has a chance to continue his stellar run at Headingley as it had had been a happy hunting ground for him.

"I made my first ever Test match hundred here and when you have success at certain grounds you have a good feeling about them when you come back," he said.

Source: ANI

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