Sydney, Jan. 2 (ANI): Australian cricket captain Ricky Ponting has said that he has never shied away from facing up to the chin music dished out by his fast bowling opponents.

Speaking ahead of the second cricket Test against Pakistan to be played here from Sunday, the Sydney Morning Herald quoted Ponting, as saying: “I’m more than happy for anybody to bowl there to me. I just need to play the shot a bit better than I did last week. That’s about all I can say about it.”

Ponting has battled against short-pitched bowling since being struck on the arm by West Indian quick Kemar Roach in Perth last month.

The Australian skipper is regarded as one of the finest exponents of the hook and pull shots in the game’s history but his batting has been restricted by his elbow complaint.

West Indian skipper Chris Gayle taunted Ponting by stating that Australia’s highest Test run scorer had serious shortcomings against the short ball following their recently completed Test series.

And holing out to Pakistan quick Mohammad Aamer in the second innings at the MCG last week raised questions about Ponting’s handling of short-pitched bowling with his current injury.

Ponting had a good workout in the nets on Saturday at the SCG but still looked a little bothered by the elbow problem.

He spent time chatting with team physiotherapist Alex Kountouris and occasionally gripped his hand to signal he is still feeling discomfort in his left arm.

But at least Ponting is playing at one of his happiest hunting grounds this week.

Ponting’s tally of 1,335 Test runs at 70.26 is more than any other batsman at the ground.His five Test centuries at the ground is also a record.

Ponting will play his 15th Test at the venue with only Allan Border and Steve Waugh having turned out more times for the baggy green on this ground with 17 Tests each. (ANI)