Left field

Australia skipper Ricky Ponting failed for the fourth time in five innings in the current Ashes series as the hosts struggled to 179-6 at tea on the first day of the third test against England.  

His captaincy may be under threat but with his team mates  (Mike Hussey excepted) also failing at the crease, his place as a batsman looks safe for a while now.  

Having said that, the Australian selectors have made some pretty bizarre decisions over the last few weeks, not least plucking spinner Michael Beer from obscurity and putting him into their squad for Perth only to go with four quicks and leave him carrying the drinks.  

Tim Wimborne’s picture shows the reaction of England bowler James Anderson, who had the Australia skipper out for 12 courtesy of a stunning leaping catch from slip fielder Paul Collingwood.