Ponting available for Super Challenge 2000

The Australian Cricket Board announced today that right-hand batsman Ricky Ponting will be available for selection for Super Challenge 2000, the three-game one-day international series at Colonial Stadium in August.

Ponting had surgery in March to repair cartilage damage and remove bone fragment from his right ankle, which was injured when he collided with the SCG fence during the second Carlton & United Series final on 4 February 2000.

The original diagnosis for Ponting was bleak. Following surgery on 9 March 2000, ankle surgeon Martin Sullivan said a return to international cricket in the next six months was unlikely.

But according to Dr Sullivan, who re-examined the ankle in Sydney last week, Ponting has made fast progress and looks likely to be available for the one-day series against South Africa on 16, 18 and 20 August 2000.

"Ricky has responded very well to post-operative physiotherapy and I see no reason why he would not be available for selection in August," Dr Sullivan said.

"He has no pain in the joint and the damaged area is mending fast."

Ponting said he was excited with his rapid recovery from surgery.

"Since I got off the crutches I have felt confident that I would be right for the series against South Africa at Colonial Stadium," Ponting said.

"My ankle feels much better than it did before surgery and I have no discomfort with straight movement any more.

"I will undergo more physiotherapy over the next few months, concentrating on strengthening the ankle and I hope to start fitness training in a few weeks," he said.

The Australian squad for Super Challenge 2000 will be announced in early July.