Ponting, Hussey will play: Arthur

However, Arthur, who is also a selector, said that the new selection panel is yet to discuss about the exits of Ponting and Hussey. “We’re certainly not managing yet how they (Ponting and Hussey) go out of the side. In my opinion they’ve still got big roles to play because we do need some experience within our middle order, there’s no doubt about it,” said Arthur.

“They bring that experience that we need. We haven’t even come to any thought on how we manage any exit on any of those players. The key for us is the get them up firing,” he told ‘ESPNcricinfo.com’.

Despite Ponting’s poor form, Arthur felt that the former skipper fits into Australia’s scheme of things. “I think he (Ponting) should (play on). I’ve had a chat already to (selector) Rod Marsh...we’re trying to give ourselves a bit of direction to Boxing Day. I still think Ricky fits very firmly in that picture,” insisted Arthur.