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Martyn will play if 95% fit: Ponting

Australian skipper Ricky Ponting says injured batsman Damien Martyn will play in Sunday's final if he can show he is at least 95 percent fit.

Updated on: Mar 22, 2003 6:33 PM IST
PTI | By , Johannesburg
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Australia skipper Ricky Ponting says injured batsman Damien Martyn will play in Sunday's World Cup final against India if he can show he is at least 95 percent fit.

HT Image
HT Image

Martyn, who fractured his right index finger against Kenya last weekend, appeared to come through a batting and fielding test on Saturday but Australia will wait until Sunday to assess his fitness.

"If Damien is 95 percent right I'm pretty sure he'll be in the starting line-up," Ponting told a news conference on Saturday. "He had a good hit and a good field today. We'll wait and see how he pulls up in the morning."

Martyn caught a string of high and short catches on Saturday before undergoing a net session against spin and medium pace bowling without apparent mishap. He was watched throughout by team physiotherapist Errol Alcott.

Australia fast bowler Andy Bichel has been suffering from a sore shoulder since Thursday but bowled off his full run-up on Saturday.

"He has done everything we asked," Ponting added. "He had a good workout and a good bowl."

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