An elbow tendon injury is troubling the Australian cricket captain Ricky Ponting.

The skipper was hit above the elbow by West Indies bowler Kemar Roach in the Test match in Perth, forcing him to retire hurt in his side's first innings.

Although an X-ray showed no fracture, it was discovered that he had a tendon problem when the elbow was put through an MRI scan.

Physio Alex Kontouris remarked: "At this stage Ricky will not be batting in the second innings, unless required, to prevent any further damage and maximise the restoration of function."

Those struggling with a tendon problem in a joint such as the elbow may find that ultrasound treatment helps it to heal.

Despite the diagnosis, the captain did come out to bat in the second innings, dropping down the order to number nine and making just two off six balls before being dismissed by Roach, the bowler who had inflicted the initial injury.