Ponting wagers on pace

It has been nearly two years since Ricky Ponting saw the Mohali wicket - during the 2006 Champions Trophy

It has been nearly two years since Ricky Ponting saw the Mohali wicket 8212; during the 2006 Champions Trophy. On Thursday, the Australian skipper took his time observing the 22-yard strip before heading indoors for a quick batting session.

8220;Conditions seem different here and the past two days have seen a bit of rain too. The wicket here is traditionally bouncy and assists seamers. With cloudy conditions, I expect the ball to move a bit and I hope our pacers will be happy,8221; Ponting said, sounding optimistic about Australia8217;s chances in the second Test.

The Man of the Match in the first Test, Zaheer Khan, had labelled the Australian side 8216;too defensive8217;, but Ponting chose to downplay the verbal volleys.

8220;As far as I am concerned, I don8217;t think there is any war of words going on. The Indians have been making more speeches than the Australians, and we as a unit are more focused on our performance. We have played well and cricket is all about the execution of plans,8221; said the Aussie skipper.

Siddle ready for debut

The past two days may have seen Ponting considering the inclusion of pacer Stuart Clark in the squad, but on Thursday, he ruled that out.

8220;Siddle is a very lively right-arm fast bowler and he will make his debut. There are some very good players in the Indian top order and I8217;m sure he is up for the challenge,8221; he said. 8220;He keeps it pretty simple and is a good exponent of reverse swing. I hope he can find his rhythm early,8221; Ponting added.

Ponting insisted it was only a matter of time before the spinners made their presence felt. 8220;Anil only bowled 40 overs in the first innings and hardly in the second innings. This time we have played their spinners well but we still can8217;t take them lightly. The Indian pacers have been doing well,8221; he said. 8220;It is very important that our spinners come into the picture very soon and Krejza and White have shown some fine form.8221;

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Ponting also reiterated confidence in his pace department. 8220;As far as our pace bowling is concerned, Brett has the ability to reverse the ball. Siddle plays in Melbourne, where the ball swings a lot, and his experience will be in handy. A lot was made of our experience leading up to the first Test but if you look at the performance of those guys there, it was very good,8221; Ponting said.