Punter backs Symonds and Watson to combine on WACA track

Adelaide, Dec.2 (ANI): Australian cricket captain Ricky Ponting has backed all-rounders Andrew Symonds and Shane Watson to fire at the WACA during the contest against South Africa, which begins from December 17.

Ponting has said that he will contact Perth curator Cameron Sutherland well before the first Test to uncover whether he plans to use an old strip or one of the WACA Ground's recently relayed pitches.

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The latter wickets have provided pace and bounce for domestic fast bowlers all season, and if Sutherland indeed intends to use a relayed surface for the match against South Africa, Krejza may be facing a third consecutive Test as Australia's unlucky loser.

Watson, meanwhile, has certainly done his cause no harm with an eight-wicket Sheffield Shield performance against South Australia this week.

"We got duped a bit there last year. A lot depends on which wicket we use. If it is one of the relaid ones ... there would have to be some consideration given to playing a line-up similar to Brisbane. Watto has had a great game up in Brisbane this week for Queensland. He could obviously slot back into the side as well if we feel conditions are going to suit," Fox Sports quoted Ponting, as saying.

"I think Andrew is going fine. I am not worried about his form. Symo's not had a bad game [in Adelaide]. He got a decision that probably could've gone either way here, and all of a sudden everyone's asking questions about him. We've got to work out what we think who our best four bowlers are," he added.

Watson's recall could result in paceman Peter Siddle returning to Victoria, relieving the pressure on Stuart Clark's Test position. (ANI)