Sydney, Dec. 6: Australian opener and New South Wales captain Simon Katich believes that Ricky Ponting will opt for a spinning option during the first Test against South Africa to be played at the WACA in Perth from December 17.

"Generally in the past we have played a spinner in Perth. Whether it''s been Stuey MacGill, Beau Casson or Nathan Hauritz. Whoever it is, we generally like to play one as it adds balance to the attack," news. com. au quoted Katich, as saying.

"So far, this year, the quicks have been doing all the damage there (Perth) and I guess the selectors and Ricky will obviously make that decision when they see that wicket," he added.

Katich noted that as the game goes on, the WACA wicket settles down and it becomes easier to bat.

Curator Cam Sutherland says that the strips are lively this year because it had been one of the coolest Novembers on record, but when the sun does come out it can sap some of the moisture and bounce from the wicket.

Ricky Ponting said yesterday he was pleased to hear that Krejza was fit and available to play in the one-day game in Tasmania this weekend, but conceded it was a dilemma, as he would not normally play in a limited-overs match.

"It''s the same case as with Nathan Hauritz. He had already been told he wouldn''t be playing the Shield game in Hobart and yet he went to Adelaide and played really well in the Test match. There''s some interesting things going on around the country with spinners as far as selection goes," Ponting added.

Katich says that with Brett Lee, Mitchell Johnson, Dale Steyn, Makhaya Ntini and the steepling Morne Morkel playing in the Test there will be a carnival for spectators and a few thrills for batsmen.

"It is a fantastic place to play. The crowd loves their cricket and the wicket provides some entertainment when it''s fast and bouncy," Katich said.

Katich described Steyn, whom he has played against in English county cricket, as a "difficult proposition" but said so were the others.

Katich has been one of Australia''s leading scorers since returning to the top of the order in the West Indies, but he is never certain of playing another Test until he walks on to the field.

Katich defended his and Matthew Hayden''s opening record in the past six Tests, saying that while they have only passed 100 together once, there is a big score around the corner.

When it comes, though, there will be no Justin Langer type embrace.

"I am definitely not the cuddling type. I probably haven''t shown him enough love yet," Katich said.

"That''s not to say that I don''t like the big fella, but I prefer to keep things a bit more macho," he added. (ANI)