Ponting facing race against time for first Test

Australia captain Ricky Ponting is racing to be fit in time to upset the cricket odds and make the Boxing Day Test against Pakistan after being injured against the West Indies.

He damaged the tendon in his elbow after being struck by a delivery from West Indian bowler Kemar Roach, an injury which forced him to retire hurt.

Ponting has been working hard to ensure he will be ready for the Boxing Day Test, including spending time in a hyperbaric chamber, and has made sure not to put any extra strain on the damaged elbow.

He is scheduled to undergo some more treatment over the next few days as he identifies that Boxing Day is the 'big one' of the cricket calendar and he wants to take part in the first Test of the series against Pakistan.

"I haven't picked up a bat since the second innings the other day and I won't touch one again for the next couple of days to give it the best recovery I can," said the Australian captain.

Philip Hughes has been named in a 13-man squad for Australia for the first Test as cover for Ponting.

Peter Siddle is also in the squad alongside the same XI that won the third Test against the West Indies, while Ben Hilfenhaus is missing with knee problems.

Star hails 'Gooch effect' on England

Kevin Pietersen reckons Graham Gooch can help England to win their Test series against South Africa.

The former England captain was recently appointed batting coach for the international team and started helping out after the culmination of the one-day matches in preparation for the Test series.

The series starts in Centurion on December 16th and Pietersen claims the help of Gooch can inspire England's batsmen to pile on the runs against South Africa.

He added he was really looking forward to working with the coach in the coming weeks and thinks Gooch can "do wonders" for the England cricket team.

"The way he thinks is pretty similar to the way [England head coach] Andy Flower thinks, and the way I think - how simple batting is, but the hard work you have to put in and the mental side and the concentration," said the South Africa-born batsman. "It all makes sense."

Essex batting coach Gooch has refused to commit to working with England after the first test in South Africa.

He originally agreed to help out on a temporary basis but told BBC 5 Live that he believes a permanent appointment would not be possible at the current point in time.