Injured Ponting to miss fifth Ashes Test

SYDNEY: Australian captain Ricky Ponting will miss the fifth Ashes Test against England after X-rays revealed further damage to a broken finger suffered earlier in the series, officials said on Thursday.

"Ricky Ponting had a repeat X-ray after the fourth Test which showed evidence that the fracture of his fifth finger has moved during the course of the Melbourne Test," team physiotherapist Alex Kountouris said.

"His return to cricket will be based on how quickly the fracture heals and he will hopefully commence training in the later part of the Australian summer," he added.

"He is expected to be fully fit for the ICC Cricket World Cup."