Ponting is one of just four players in Australia's 16-man squad to have played a Test on the hallowed turf in north-west London, along with vice-captain Michael Clarke, Simon Katich and veteran paceman Brett Lee.
Lee was on Wednesday ruled out of the second Ashes Test with the same rib injury that sidelined him for the first Test in Cardiff, meaning the tourists will field at least eight players who are yet to play a Test at the historic venue.
Australia do, however, have a tremendous record at Lord's having not lost a Test there since 1934 and, while Ponting admits his players will feel honoured to try to emulate the past deeds of their countrymen, he does not expect them to be overwhelmed.
"We will enjoy the prospect of coming here," Ponting said.
"For some of us it is the fifth or sixth occasion that we will play here but there are plenty of guys in our group that are coming to Lord's for the first time.
"So there's a great feeling about the place and we are looking forward to the Test match. All the players will be ready for it."
Ponting has twice met England at Lord's in a Test match and while he led Australia to success there four years ago his personal record does not read so well.
0 comments:
Post a Comment