Ponting backs Hughes to replace injured Katich

Radio 5 Live Sports Extra/Test Match Special podcast: Matthew Hayden and Justin Langer discuss Australia's options Hughes played with Ponting in the last Ashes series in England last year Australia captain Ricky Ponting has backed Phillip Hughes as the most likely replacement for Simon Katich for next week's third Ashes Test in Perth. Opener Katich has an Achilles injury and has almost certainly been ruled out of the rest of the Ashes series. But Ponting admitted no decisions have yet been made about the squad for the next Test, which starts on 16 December. "Phil Hughes is the first one that comes to mind. I'd be surprised if it's not him that comes in," he said. "We know what his international record is like. He's got a few runs under his belt so he's probably the first cab off the rank. "I'm not a selector. The chairman of selectors and I haven't spoken yet. I'm not sure what they're thinking. We'll have a good discussion." Hughes, the New..... Read more...