England tipped to block Ponting's Ashes extra man request

London, May 28 (ANI): England may scupper Australian cricket captain Ricky Ponting's plans to field an extra player in each of Australia's two Ashes warm-up matches.

In what would be the first shot across Australia's bow, the hosts are reportedly opposed to allowing Ponting to play an extra man in both games as he seeks to give all five quicks an opportunity to push for selection.

Cricket Australia (CA) this week revealed it expected England to grant permission to field 12 players in the tour matches against Sussex and England Lions.

Ponting said it was crucial to gauge the form of all his pace men in both four-dayers to solve their main selection dilemma - the make-up of the bowling attack - ahead of the first Test in Cardiff, starting July 8.

The Guardian has reported the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) are likely to risk an Ashes row by refusing the request for both four-day matches.

Wary of risking an outcry, particularly after criticism over allowing the likes of Phil Hughes and Stuart Clark to play county cricket this season, the ECB is set to offer a compromise.

The Guardian reports Australia would be allowed to field extra men in the initial warm-up against Sussex at Hove but play a regular 11-a-side match against the Lions at Worcester from July 1. (ANI)