Australia considers 4 quicks for 3rd Ashes Test

Perth:

Captain Ricky Ponting says Australia may play four fast bowlers, and bowl first if it wins the toss in the third Ashes Test against England which starts in Perth on Friday.

Those steps would mark a departure from regular Australian policy but Ponting says they were being considered because of the unusually green nature of the pitch at the WACA ground for the third match of the five-Test series.

Ponting said it would be "negligent" not to consider employing four fast bowlers, possibly using vice-captain Michael Clarke and all-rounder Steve Smith to provide a spin bowling option.

England, which holds the Ashes, leads the series 1-0 after winning the second Test at Adelaide by an innings and 71 runs.