England captain Andrew Strauss is used to hearing Australia skipper Ricky Ponting announce the opening batsman will be targeted during the forthcoming Ashes series. But when asked if England intended to target Ponting,Strauss tried to turn the tables on the Tasmanian by pointing out that his rival captain had yet to lead Australia to a Test series win in England. Ricky Ponting is a class player, said Strauss,who made two centuries during Englands 2-1 home Ashes series win in 2005. Im sure he is dying to win a series in England. He failed last time. Whether that puts him under more pressure or not,thats for him to tell you. Australia may not field a specialist spinner at all come the first Ashes Test even though the pitch in the Welsh city has a reputation for taking turn. Off-spinner Nathan Hauritz,the lone pure slow bowler in Australias party,did his prospects little good with a return of none for 98 in 18 overs against Sussex. On Friday,Australia reached 379 for seven declared in their second innings.
