Ponting backs Hughes for Test spot

Australia captain Ricky Ponting has touted New South Wales opener Phil Hughes as the most likely replacement for Simon Katich for the third Ashes Test in Perth.

Katich has almost certainly been ruled out for the rest of Ashes series with an Achilles injury. Ponting admitted no decisions have yet been made about the Australia squad for the third Test with England, but changes are expected after some disappointing performances.

"Phil Hughes is the first one that comes to mind," he said. "We know what his international record is like. He's got a few runs under his belt so he's probably the first cab off the rank. I'd be surprised if it's not him that comes in."

The Tasmanian added: "I'm not a selector. The Chairman of Selectors and I haven't spoken yet. I'm not sure what they're thinking. We'll have a good discussion."

Ponting also backed his team to recover from their drubbing at the hands of England in the second Test, which saw the tourists take a 1-0 lead in the series.

"At the end of the day whatever 11 players are selected I expect they can do the job for Australia," he said.

"This week they haven't done that. It's about finding the attitude, because I know the ability is there to get the job done."

Katich faces at least a month on the sidelines and admitted he is shattered his Ashes series has come to an end.

"I'm obviously very disappointed. It will be hard not being a part of it," he said.

"In the field I was battling to move around so it didn't come as a huge surprise when I found out the results of the scans. I'm very disappointed with two games into the series to not be able to have a chance to try and turn things around with the team."