Ponting wary of Windies threat

Ricky Ponting expects to assume greater responsibility when Australia's regenerating team begin their three-Test assignment against West Indies at Brisbane on Thursday. The post-Ashes clear-out has given the home side a shiny look over the past month and another fresh coat was confirmed with Nathan Bracken picked ahead of Stuart MacGill.

Australia's line-up suddenly has a strangely unfamiliar feel following the additions of Hussey, Bracken and Watson, and the withdrawal of Justin Langer with a rib fracture on Tuesday. "They may be less experienced at Test level, but they've all got a lot of experience under their belts and been around the Australian structure for a while," Ponting said. "There's a slightly different feel with players like Martyn, Gillespie and Kasprowicz not in the side and Langer out."

Shane Watson was confirmed as the side's allrounder and Ponting hoped the squad would remain settled over the summer. "There's more responsibility on the batters to put their hand up with some of the inexperience in the middle order," he said. "Shane is going to be given a run and Bracken is in good form and has a great record up here." The pitch shows tinges of green and MacGill will be released to play for New South Wales in Perth on Friday.

West Indies delayed finalising their side but will have a full bowling contingent to pick from after the fast men recovered from niggles suffered in the lead-up and during the Queensland game. However, the players were already concerned by reports here and in the Caribbean that they will be whipping boys for Australia and Shivnarine Chanderpaul hoped they would use it as motivation.

"Australia are a strong team but we have a good team also," he said. "We've beaten them in the Caribbean chasing a huge total and I know we can win out here."

Catching was an area of concern after last week's warm-up and on Tuesday the players received 100 each at training, where there were no net bowlers provided. "The guys are gelling and helping each other, it's a wonderful sight," Chanderpaul said. "Obviously we want to win and go out there and play some tough cricket."

Ponting was wary of the West Indies threat and after viewing footage of their inexperienced attack said they would be treated with respect. "We know they are a very dangerous side and we've spoken about that," he said. "The batting is very good with quality down the list and their bowling can be dangerous."