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Ricky Ponting is prepared to restrain Andrew Symonds in his comeback as the all-rounder shows promising signs of being ready for action in the World Cup group stage.

Symonds, who had surgery on a torn biceps at the start of February, is confident of playing in Australia’s third game against South Africa on March 24.

Symonds said his arm was starting to feel “normal” and it was gaining in strength, but he was cautious of aggravating the problem.

“If it goes again that will mean I can’t throw like I used to,” Symonds told the Sydney Morning Herald. “That’s what we’re trying to steer clear of, because hopefully I’ll be playing a bit longer next season,” he added.

Ponting is also aware of the dangers of an early comeback for Symonds, who is a crucial figure in Australia’s push for a third successive World Cup win.

Australia left Sydney for the Caribbean on Wednesday and Symonds is looking forward to his first bat since suffering the injury against England on February 2.

“I’ve been trying to get a bit of strength and bulk back into the muscle and I’m ahead of schedule,” Symonds said. “I’m allowed to have a bat at the end of this week. I’m allowed to hit some tennis balls. It will be like being in the backyard again,” he added.

While Ponting and Michael Clarke will be fit for the start of the tournament, Australia also have a worry over Matthew Hayden’s broken toe and they are still trying to develop ways of replacing Brett Lee, who was ruled out with an ankle injury.

Ponting is hoping Shaun Tait, who made his one-day debut in February, can be a “trump card”.

Ponting will also think about using Stuart Clark, who replaced Lee in the squad on Friday, as a partner for Glenn McGrath.

Source:The News

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