Watson best replacement: Ponting

Ponting feels Watson8217;s all-round ability may have helped him win a place in the side even if Symonds is around. 8220;I think he might have played anyway if Symonds was around, just for that flexibility and what his bowling can offer,8221; the captain said. 8220;I would be surprised if he didn8217;t play in the opening game.8221;

It was Watson8217;s spate of injuries that had opened the door for Symonds to establish himself in the Test side and now Symonds8217;s sacking for indiscipline has presented Watson the chance to do the same.

Noffke lure for cash

Disillusioned at being ignored for next month8217;s Test series against India, Australian pacer Ashley Noffke has warned the national selectors that he might take a plunge into cash-rich Indian Twenty20 leagues for the sake of his family.

8220;I have told 8216;Digger8217; national selection chairman Andrew Hilditch that I am totally disillusioned with the way these selections work. I have to now start to think about where I am placed and how much money I can earn to look after my family. There is the IPL and the ICL on my mind,8221; Noffke added.