Melbourne, Feb 21 : Former Australian cricketers Mark Waugh and Brendon Julian expect veteran batsman Ricky Ponting to fight for survival in the Test squad after being axed from the one-day side.

Fox Sports cricket commentator Brendon Julian said Ponting''s axing from the one-day squad didn''t come as a shock, but he expected some surprises in the coming months.

"There was no reason in my mind for Ricky Ponting to continue playing one-day cricket. He''s had a wonderful Test summer. So, he''s going to kick on to the West Indies. I think this is the firm indication that the selectors are going to have to drop him. They are going to have to drop him from Test cricket if they want to move down that track," Fox Sports quoted Julian, as saying.

"The big issue the selectors will be facing is ... there are three Test matches against the West Indies coming up very shortly. Then, there''s a massive gap, then you''re coming into our summer. This cricket team will be judged on how well they go in the Ashes in 2013. So, we need to sort out our batting order for then," he added.

Julian said he would stick with Ed Cowan and David Warner at the top of the order, and suggested that Shane Watson bat at No. 3 and Ponting at No. 6.

Waugh said Ponting could prolong his international career.

"He''s not going to be pushed into retiring because he thinks the selectors are going to drop him. He''s happy to take it on the chin if he does get dropped. That''s the sort of guy he is. He''s got a great attitude. He''s a tough competitor on and off the field," he added.(ANI)