Australia may be without Ricky Ponting for the Boxing Day meeting with Pakistan after the captain was struck on the arm by Kemar Roach during a fiery middle session on the first day of the third Test.

Australia finished the session on 217 for one, with Simon Katich and Mike Hussey unbeaten on 76 and 21 respectively but all the drama revolved around the Australian captain.

Ponting was forced to retire hurt after Australia lost Shane Watson for 89, the captain sent for x-rays after being struck just above the elbow with the second ball he faced, a 146kph screamer from Roach.

The skipper bravely tried to play through the pain, more than aware his retirement would force the under-pressure Hussey to face Roach, bowling with his tail up with the aid of a howling westerly behind him.

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Making 23 before his retirement, Ponting still had time to belt Roach for two boundaries and a six in the one over, while also being involved in a heated exchange with Dwayne Bravo that could see both players disciplined as umpire Ian Gould was forced to separate them.

But after seeking aid on two occasions from Australian physio Alex Kountouris, the captain was forced off, team officials hopeful Ponting has not cracked or broken the bone on the same arm where he has previously suffered wrist problems.

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A serious arm injury would more than likely prevent the captain from batting again in Perth and would almost certainly rule him out of the first Test against Pakistan in Melbourne next week, elevating Michael Clarke to the captaincy role.

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