Ponting asks for more runs

Ricky Ponting has called for a greater effort from the Australia batsmen after his side was seriously challenged in their last two CB Series games. Michael Hussey carried Australia home in both matches after the top order struggled to chase small totals.

At Brisbane last Friday, Australia were 4 for 48 chasing England's 156 and two days later at Sydney, the score fell to 3 for 17 in reply to New Zealand's 218. Although Australia won both games, the form of players like Matthew Hayden and Ponting himself was a worry.

"I think we've got a bit of work to do, to tell you the truth, the last couple of games we've played we haven't been chasing big totals and we've managed just to scrape across the line both times," Ponting told AAP. "Although we've been winning I think we've got a lot of areas for improvement, and all of that for us will start today."

Ponting was speaking ahead of Australia's training session at Adelaide a day before they faced England in the seventh match of the CB Series. The players have had four days' break in between games and Ponting said he hoped that would freshen them up and ensure they were at their best against England.

"We've had a couple of days at home after the last game," he said. "We've tried to tailor our training that way so we get some time at home, but when we hit the ground today it's flat out getting prepared for a big game tomorrow and areas we've been deficient in."