Ponting, who said WACA had lost its uniqueness of pace and bounce, was purposely preparing batsmen-friendly pitches to stretch the game to all five days and maximise TV and gate revenues.

“I’m disappointed in the result and I’m disappointed because the uniqueness of the WACA that it once had, that we keep hearing about every year, it appears it’s always there for the state games but it’s just not there for Test matches, which I think is disappointing,” Ponting was quoted as saying in The Daily Telegraph.

In the last four years, Australia have lost two Tests, drawn one and won another in Perth. “I don’t know if you guys have ever seen a wicket here on a fifth day that plays as well as that one did or if you guys have ever seen one that’s been that slow and placid right from the start of the game,” the Australia skipper lamented.

“Brisbane and Perth are the places that offer a bit of uniqueness in Australia. I think Brisbane still has that and I think the WACA is losing that very quickly.”

Hauritz, Hilfenhaus in

Meanwhile, struggling spinner Jason Krejza was replaced by Nathan Hauritz in the 13-member squad for the second Test starting December 26 here.

Story continues below this ad

Australia’s National Selection Panel Chairman Andrew Hilditch said Krejza’s axing was prompted by his below-par display in Perth.

The selectors also added pacer Ben Hilfenhaus to the squad and Hilditch he might be considered a new-ball option in the next match.

Squad: Ricky Ponting (c), Michael Clarke (vc), Brad Haddin, Nathan Hauritz, Matthew Hayden, Ben Hilfenhaus, Michael Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Simon Katich, Brett Lee, Peter Siddle, Andrew Symonds, Shane Watson.

From the homepage