Date:18/07/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/07/18/stories/2006071802411900.htm

Sport - Cricket

Ponting vows to win back the Ashes from England

London: Embarrassed by the Ashes defeat last year, Australian skipper Ricky Ponting has vowed to win back the famous urn from England when they meet in November later this year.

Ponting-led Australia lost the Ashes (2-1) for the first time in 18 years last summer and Ponting said his players would go all out to avenge their shameful defeat.

``It's a huge series for the team — to be the first one to hand over the Ashes in 18 years was something the players were embarrassed and ashamed about,'' Ponting said.

``England will face a better Australian team than they did last time,'' he was quoted as saying by BBC Sport on Monday.

``We've worked really hard on our games and performances — everything is heading in the right direction and everything isn't smooth sailing for England,'' he said referring to the injury-ravaged English team.

``I'm confident we'll play well, we've brought our games on a long way since the end of the Ashes.

``We know it will be a big challenge and if they have a 90 per cent fully-fit team they will be competitive. — PTI