Ponting wouldn't say no to an Ashes call-up

When asked if he would consider an Ashes comeback , Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting told reporters, “You wouldn’t say no, would you, if that call came and I would never say never. But you have to say a call-up like that now is extremely unlikely.

“This was the series I was playing on for without a doubt,” Ponting said. “I felt Australia would have been a stronger side in this Ashes with both me and Mike Hussey in the side. The bottom line is I just wasn’t good enough any more to be part of this team. And I knew that.

“Hussey is missing due to different circumstances and I’m surprised he’s not here but I know how hard it can be to keep on touring with a young family. As for me, my time had just come. I knew it so I had to bow out against South Africa. It’s down to the young lads now.”

When asked about his English counterparts, Ponting said:

“England are a very good side, and they played exceptionally well against us in Australia last time. I must admit Alastair Cook surprised me in that series but I see he’s just got his 25th Test century and he’s proving a worthy successor as captain to Andrew Strauss. Joe Root looks a good young player, Jonny Bairstow has something about him and when Kevin Pietersen is fit England will be getting a world-class player again. They are a quality side – but quality sides have been beaten in the past.”