Australia captain Ricky Ponting believes Middlesex's decision to sign batting sensation Phillip Hughes could return to haunt England in the Ashes.

The county's move to sign the 20-year-old Hughes caused disquiet in the England and Wales Cricket Board and their fears appear to have been justified as the left-hander has scored 574 runs at an average of 143.5 in the County Championship.

Hughes is the Aussies' great hope for the Ashes after scoring twin centuries against South Africa in March in only his second Test match.

Ponting said: "They might be dreading Middlesex's decision to let him go over and play there, as they were right from the start.

"The aim was for him to go there, score a lot of runs and get a good look around English conditions. He has made four hundreds, which is exactly what we were hoping would happen. He is a terrific young player who is hungry for runs and I'm sure he will have a good Ashes series for us."

Hughes is certain to be in the Aussies' 16-man touring party for the trip to England, which is named in the early hours of tomorrow morning.

Ponting also handed a huge boost to controversial all-rounder Andrew Symonds, whose place looked to be under threat after a turbulent 12 months with injuries and off-field problems. But Symonds was impressive in the one-day series against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi and Dubai and Ponting said: "I wouldn't be surprised if he's named.

"He's had his share of battles and he's worked his way back into domestic cricket pretty well and played well for us over in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

"He's a great guy to have in the team and the selectors are going to have some tough decisions."

Ponting also indicated bowlers Brett Lee and Stuart Clark are likely to win recalls after missing the Australian summer through injury.