Ponting cleared to play after Tait blow

Ricky Ponting heads off for treatment © Getty Images

Ricky Ponting has been passed fit to play in Wednesday's third Test despite being felled by one of his own squad during a net session in Colombo.

The accident happened when Ponting ducked into a short ball from fast bowler Shaun Tait which failed to bounce as much as expected. Despite wearing a helmet, the blow left Ponting bleeding but he was treated in the changing rooms and did not need to visit the local hospital. "It's just a bump on the head," he shrugged. "I'll be all right."

Tait had an impressive run-out in the nets and gave the selectors food for thought should they opt to play three fast bowlers.