Cricket: Simon Katich on ice for second innings

AUSTRALIAN opener Simon Katich is struggling with a heel injury but will be fit to bat in Australia's second innings in the second Ashes Test, according to captain Ricky Ponting.

The 35-year-old took a knock while close fielding in the drawn first Ashes Test in Brisbane and was forced to leave the field for a lengthy period of the third day of the second Test in Adelaide.

"He'll get as much ice on it as possible knowing that he's got a lot of batting to do over the next couple of days," said Ponting yesterday. "He'll be okay, he's a pretty tough character as we know."

Katich was dismissed without facing a ball in the first innings, run out in a first-over mix-up with Shane Watson.