Perth, Dec 4: Australia coach Mickey Arthur says captain Michael Clarke will likely retain his No. 5 spot in the batting lineup with allrounder Shane Watson a possibility to fill in at No. 4 in a reshuffle forced by the retirement of Ricky Ponting.
Arthur said Ponting's replacement in the Australian lineup for its next test series against Sri Lanka will probably bat at No. 3, leaving the opening partnership intact and prolific run-scorer Clarke in his preferred spot.
Former test opener Phil Hughes and Usman Khawaya are seen as the most likely candidates to take Ponting's place for the Sri Lanka series.
