Oz batsmen expecting stream of bouncers from Pak pacers

Melbourne, Dec. 23 (ANI): The Australian batting line up is expecting a flurry of short pitch deliveries from the Pakistani pacers in the wake of West Indian captain Chris Gayle's disclosure that Aussie captain Ricky Ponting is weak against short-pitched balls.

The Kangaroos are waiting for the final call on Ponting's fitness, who was hit on the left elbow ducking a Kemar Roach bouncer during the third and final Test in Perth, on the other hand Gayle has asked other team to study the way Roach troubled Ponting and other Oz batsmen during the series.

"Our plan to bowl short at him worked really well and I think they are tactics that other Test teams can use with a lot of success against him," the West Indies captain wrote in his column for The Daily Telegraph.

Pakistan, which boasts of an impressive pace battery, are certain to pay heed to Gayle's advice, which can see more Australian batsmen ducking to short pitched deliveries in the first Test starting December 26.

"Ricky is a person who will always hook and pull, those are some of his favourite shots, but they can also be his major weakness. If you have a bowler with a bit of pace I think you can give him some real trouble," Gayle said.

Australia's problem has deepened with reports suggesting that Ponting is uncertain for the first Test. Phillip Hughes, who is on standby for his captain, has had trouble tackling short balls during the tour of England.

However, Hughes has vowed to prove his mettle if given an opportunity.

"Being dropped is a part of the sport, and I'm a big believer in that.That's life. What has happened has happened," Hughes said in the Sydney Morning Herald. (ANI)