Ponting refuses to rule out Tait for Adelaide Test

Adelaide, Jan 23 (UNI) Despite Shuan Tait's poor outing at the Perth Test against India, captain Ricky Ponting hasn't ruled out the possibility of playing a four-man pace attack at Adelaide.

The pitch at the Adelaide Oval is known to assist spinners and Brad Hogg's inclusion is almost certain, but Ponting claimed that the decision to leave out Tait would be tough.

''We've just got to toss up in our head whether a spin option is the way to go or if we try and use pace with variable bounce late in the game,'' Ponting said.

''Historically spin has been the preferred option for the Australian team to play in most conditions around the world,'' he added.

He said Tait has been putting in alot of efforts in training and his record at Adelaide makes him a strong contender for the fourth Test.

''He's taken wickets for South Australia here over a long period of time now, whether it be early in the game with the new ball or late in the game when it does start keeping a bit low,'' Ponting said.

''He bowled well in the nets yesterday so when you've got a wicket-taker like that in the wings it gives you lots of options, it makes the decision pretty difficult as well,'' he added.

In Perth, Ponting was in danger of being suspended for slow over-rates in both innings as his four fast bowlers consumed a lot of time due to their long run-ups.

''(We'll need to) just mix and match and use some part-timers a bit earlier in the day's play and get through some overs there so you're not caught at the end of the day or the back end of an innings,'' he said.

''We now know if we play the four fast bowlers a lot of onus comes back on them, to make sure they are getting through their overs and getting back to the run-ups as quick as they can.'' UNI XC RAR AB RN1644