Assistant coach Justin Langer says Ricky Ponting might be out of form but Australia cannot do without its former skipper in a time of crisis.
Ponting is under as much pressure as anyone to hold his place for the Australian summer, after 26 innings without a Test century and his part in the Cape Town debacle where the team was bowled out for 47.
Langer said Ponting is experiencing confidence issues but is clear on what he needs to improve and understands his position in the team depends on making runs.
Ponting's long-time team-mate Langer is adamant the greatest Australian batsman since Bradman should not be moved on yet.
"We've got to be sensible about whether the guys you leave out or the changes you make are going to be replaced by someone better," Langer said.
"Some might argue we've got nothing to lose and anything could be better.
"Well, maybe, but someone like Ricky Ponting has not only got 12,500 Test runs but his influence in the team is unbelievable.
"He's a really tough case. At the moment, in my opinion it's really important Ricky Ponting is in this Australian cricket team.
"I can't reiterate the point enough. No, he's not making as many runs as anyone would like at the moment.
"But he is an incredibly important part of this team. I say that without any hesitation."
Ponting was one of only five players who participated in an optional training session on Saturday and Langer said the 36-year-old was working harder than ever.
"He's human. He'll hate me to say this, but I've seen McGrath, Steve Waugh, Matty Hayden, Adam Gilchrist, they go through it," he said.
"I love seeing that they're human. I thought it was just me and the nuffies who weren't very good who had self-doubts.
"He's a very grounded person. He knows how the system works.
"He's an unbelievable problem solver. Hopefully we'll see the rewards for that."
Langer also leapt to the defence of the two men in charge of his old post of opening the batting, Shane Watson and Phil Hughes.
He admits moving Watson down the order will be considered, but believes he is a natural opener who simply needs some runs on the board.
"He's got a magnificent technique. He's like Matty Hayden or Graeme Smith, he's got a big imposing figure and he can put the pressure back on," he said.
"Not many all-rounders in the world have done it, so it is a great challenge for him."
In Langer's opinion, Hughes must be persevered with.
"I'm going to stick with him too, he has an awesome work ethic, he has an awesome hunger," he said.
"His record is impeccable and he's only 23-years-old.
"He's the sort of character we want in this group. He will get better."
AAP
Tags: cricket, sport, south-africa, australia First posted November 13, 2011 14:23:41
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