Michael Beer's fairytale Ashes debut could still be put on ice after Australian skipper Ricky Ponting refused to dismiss speculation he'll take four fast bowlers into Thursday's third Test in Perth.
Speaking after training on Wednesday, Ponting said he and coach Tim Nielsen would make a last-minute pitch inspection on Thursday morning before settling on the make-up of his attack.
However, Ponting said taking all four pace bowlers into the game was still a realistic proposition, leaving Beer to possibly carry the drinks.
"We haven't got a team yet," said Ponting.
"We've had a good look at the wicket this afternoon, it's changed a little bit since we've been here today so we want to just want to have a look at it again tomorrow before we finalise what our eleven will be."
Ponting felt the type of grass on the WACA wicket may lend some assistance to swing bowlers Harris and Hilfenhaus, possibly indicating Hilfenhaus's inclusion in the team after he was dropped for the Adelaide Test, with Johnson, Siddle and Beer the three other possibilities.
"With a bit of grass on the wicket, there's every chance the balls going to stay newer for longer than it probably does in most other places," Ponting said.
"So you'd think it's going to swing a bit more, so we've got the bases covered there with Harris and Hilfenhaus being good swing bowlers."
"It's not the thicker sort of coarse grass that was on the wicket here the last couple of years, it's sort of a finer leaf grass."
Ponting said the inexperienced Beer, who has only played five first-class matches for Western Australia since moving from Victoria, had managed to have a positive impact on the squad during his first three days with the team.
"I think he's feeling okay," Ponting said.
"He's got a nice infectious personality ... he's not shy. I'm sure if he does get his chance to play he'll do a good job for us."
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