Ricky Ponting's comeback for Australia on track

Ponting batted for an hour in the SCG nets on Tuesday, the first time he had picked up a bat since the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne.

The right-hander will resume his recovery with another nets session today as he maintains his bid to prove his fitness ahead of the World Cup, which starts later this month.

"Ricky Ponting had his first training session yesterday since having finger surgery after the Melbourne Test match. As part of his recovery this was a restricted session and he is expected to increase his training intensity in the lead up to the ICC Cricket World Cup," Australia team physiotherapist Alex Kountouris said.

"He has had no adverse effect from yesterday's session and has trained again today during Australia's batting innings."

Ponting's fellow Tasmanian Xavier Doherty was, however, ruled out for the final match of the ongoing one-day international series against England due to a sore back.

Doherty suffered the injury during the Australia Day defeat in Adelaide and after missing the following two games in Brisbane and Sydney, will not make the trip to Perth for Sunday's closing match.

"Xavier Doherty developed some back pain during the one-day game in Adelaide on Australia Day and did not train in Brisbane which allowed his symptoms to improve," Kountouris added.

"He attempted some light training yesterday in Sydney and his back was again painful. As such he is unavailable for the remaining two games of this series.

"His return to cricket will be determined by monitoring his recovery over the next week."

Doherty had been drafted into the squad after Nathan Hauritz injured a shoulder in the second match of the series in Hobart.

With Hauritz's involvement in the World Cup in doubt, Doherty has been earmarked as his possible replacement in the sub-continent, although his injury may set back Australia's plans.

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