Ponting thrilled by England 'cracks'

World supplies of mischief will be put under strain today by Australia captain Ricky Ponting. In his most direct comments yet on this winter's Ashes he will again embrace his role as chief combatant in the phoney war.

In an interview to be broadcast on Sky Sports today, Ponting said: "It was good to see Pakistan win that third Test. If they win another game there might be some questions asked about the England side. There's probably a few little cracks beginning to open up in the England side, particularly the batting."

Ponting also has views on selection and backed Eoin Morgan ahead of Ian Bell. "I think they'll play him at Bell's expense." he said. "Just being in the country a few weeks ago there seemed to be a buzz around about Morgan." Still 91 days to go and not enough mischief to go round.