Melbourne, Dec 24 : Veteran Australian batsman Ricky Ponting is reportedly under pressure to retain his place in the squad after Shaun Marsh smashed an unbeaten 99 in the Big Bash League tournament to stake his claim for selection.

Ponting’s failure to make a mark in the Big Bash League might further ruin his chances of being included in the squad.

Marsh, who only practiced taking catches, would speed up his training his preparations from today for his Test comeback.

It is the first time that Marsh has suggested that he is available this Australian summer after being laid off for six weeks with a back injury.

Mike Hussey, who has averaged less than 12 in the past seven innings, is also on a sticky wicket following Marsh’s stellar performance in the Big Bash League.

''''It just goes with batting, sometimes you need a little bit of luck early in your innings and you can go on and get a big score. ''I''m hopeful of getting a little bit of luck early in my innings and I can go on and get a good start to the series,” The Sydney Morning Herald quoted Hussey, as saying.

''''We had some tough conditions to bat in [in] South Africa so you needed a little bit of luck to get through there. The first couple of pitches here in Australia have been hard work for the batters as well, and I haven''t been able to get through that initial period,” he added. (ANI)