The Australia cricket selectors have ruled out making an Ashes SOS call to retired test batsmen Ricky Ponting and Simon Katich if skipper Michael Clarke's back problems continue.
The head of the selection panel John Inverarity says he's confident Clarke will be fit for the five tests against England in a month's time.
Ponting made 192 on his recent first-class debut for English county Surrey, while Katich is averaging over 50 this county season.
Ponting has not completely shut the door on a return if asked, although he's played down the prospect.
However his former team-mate Michael Slater says Ponting would answer the call if required.
