RICKY Ponting has endorsed Usman Khawaja as a candidate to replace him at No.3 in a revamped Australian batting order for the fifth Ashes Test.
Ponting stumbled away from Australia's mauling at the MCG admitting he should bat down the order in the twilight of his career.
The result of an X-ray on his broken little finger will today reveal whether Ponting will play at the SCG.
The skipper sang the praises of Khawaja before delivering a heartfelt apology to Australian supporters after England stormed to a 2-1 series lead with victory in Boxing Day Test.
"Everything I've seen of Usman, I've been very impressed with what he's been able to do," Ponting said.
"His first-class record is very, very good. Technically, he looks as good as any of the young blokes we've got.
"You need to have that really solid technique if you want to stand up at No.3 at Test level," Ponting said.
Injured opener Simon Katich is not expecting to be chosen, ensuring Phillip Hughes stays in the side.
Ponting, 36, revealed Test selector Greg Chappell floated the idea of him moving to No.4 in the first Test with Khawaja at No.3.
The idea was rejected before Mike Hussey's return to form subsequently squeezed out Khawaja.
But the 21-year-old will be named in the squad today for the fifth Test as Ponting prepares for life in the middle to lower order.
"I guess there's been a few doubts creep into my mind the last couple of weeks, I'm not going to hide that," Ponting said about batting at No.3.
Ponting began his Test days in the relative safety of No.6.
Ponting said the Australian players were hurting badly.
"The guys are all very disappointed. We feel we have let ourselves down. We feel we have let the cricket public of Australia down.
"We've had great support during all the Tests. We have to give them something positive next week."
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