Ponting broke his finger during the Boxing Day test and was
forced to have surgery. He has missed the entire one-day series against
England, which Australia have already sealed 4-1 with their 51-run victory in
Brisbane on Sunday.
Ponting spent about an hour batting in the nets on Tuesday,
while fast bowler Shaun Tait, who broke down earlier in the series with a leg
muscle strain also practiced and is expected to be available for the next match
on Wednesday in Sydney.
Ferguson was called into the side as cover for the injured
Shaun Marsh, who has been ruled out for the remainder of the series.
Marsh injured his right hamstring in the victory in Brisbane
on Sunday and had scans on Tuesday.
"Scans have confirmed Shaun has a low grade right
hamstring injury," team physiotherapist Alex Kountouris said.
"He will return to Perth ...and will be reviewed again
later this week when the Australian team arrives for the final match of the series.
"He will be unavailable for the two remaining games
against England and his return to cricket will be determined by his progress
over the next week." Marsh was himself a late addition to the squad for
the England series after Mike Hussey had surgery on a hamstring injury which
put in doubt his participation in the World Cup and Marsh was his likely
replacement should he be ruled out.
The final game of the series in Perth on Sunday.
The World Cup starts on Feb. 19.
