Ponting plays down injury concern

Ponting made his international debut for Australia in February 1995

Australia captain Ricky Ponting insists he will be fit to play a full part in the forthcoming series against South Africa, despite wrist injury concerns.

The 33-year-old returned early from the tour of West Indies in July and missed a series with Bangladesh after surgery.

"Most international players have a bit of pain they carry through and all the X-ray results were good," he said.

"I haven't missed a game or downgraded training at all." The first Test with starts in Perth on 17 December.

During the surgery, Ponting had a pin inserted in his wrist by surgeon Greg Hoy.

The captain was fit to lead Australia in India, scoring a century in the first match and making 266 runs at an average of 38.

606: DEBATE Think Ponting is lucky his injury is not that career threatening. He will just have to be selective when playing his shots SillyPoint...

Of his visit to the specialist, he added: "It was more a check-up I guess and the first opportunity I have had to see Greg since I resumed playing.

"There is no need for cortisone injections or anything like that at this stage and I can just continue on as I have been."

Australia, who recovered from their 2-0 Test series defeat in India to beat New Zealand by the same margin, play three Tests, followed by two Twenty20 matches and then five one-day internationals against the Proteas.