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.