Australia looking to bounce back

Defeat by England left Ponting with plenty of food for thought

Australia captain Ricky Ponting is looking for an improved batting effort in Wednesday's one-day game against Somerset at Taunton.

They are still smarting from a 100-run Twenty20 defeat by England, a game which saw them bowled out for just 79.

"It's a pretty important game for us now against Somerset and we've certainly got to try and get whatever we can out of that," said Ponting.

The sell-out match is their last before the NatWest Series.

"It takes a little time to get back into the pace of the game at international level. We'd had two months off leading into this tour.

"I'm sure there is still a bit of rustiness there although I've been happy with what we have done [so far].

"By the time Saturday and Sunday come around. there won't be any excuses as far as preparation goes from us," said Ponting.

Ponting enjoyed himself playing for Somerset last summer

Scores of 6, 0, 0, 1, 0, 4 from batsmen two to seven in the order undermined Australia's chances against England at the Rose Bowl, and only three players reached double figures.

"Hopefully, both [Michael] Hussey and [Michael] Clarke, and even myself and Damien Martyn, will have time in the middle in the Taunton game," Ponting continued.

"Half of the reason Hussey and Clarke batted where they did on Monday was to have some time in the middle, but Clarkey got out first ball and Huss only faced half a dozen. We've got to look at that."

Ponting, meanwhile, is in two minds about a possible expansion of Twenty20 cricket at international level.

"It's a good game for the fans," he added.

"I think it is better being played as a fun, more light-hearted sort of game. That's my opinion - I don't think it should be taken that seriously."

The game against Somerset will be 50 overs a side and the county club are offering two supporters the chance to act as 12th man for the two sides by bidding in an auction on their official website.