Melbourne, June 30 2009: Suspicious of an England design in choosing Cardiff for first Test of the Ashes, Australia is sending a spy to the virgin venue to check on the state of pitch there.

Australia captain Ricky Ponting believes Cardiff, which has never hosted a Test, has been deliberately chosen ahead of traditional grounds like Old Trafford and Trent Bridge because England want maximum advantage out of the “dry” pitch knowing that Australia lack a front-line spinner.

Historically, Cardiff has been one wicket around the country that has spun (in county cricket). It’s been one of the driest wickets in England. They’ve probably got a bigger advantage there than anywhere else in the country.

They know that we haven’t got (Shane) Warne any more.

“They know that spin side of Australian cricket at the moment is probably not what it used to be,” Ponting said.

Tagged with: Ashes, Australia, England, Melbourne, Old Trafford, Ricky Ponting, Trent Bridge

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