Read and Panesar's exclusions sparked vigorous debate among fans

Geraint Jones was named wicket-keeper instead of Chris Read and Ashley Giles beat Monty Panesar to the spinner role.

England went on to lose 5-0 and Ponting told BBC Sport: "I just felt there had to be unrest in their camp and that came through in the way they played.

"I was surprised Monty didn't start the series and couldn't really work out why Read didn't start either."

Nottinghamshire gloveman Read was recalled after a two-year absence for the last two Tests against Pakistan with Jones struggling with the bat.

He made a crucial half century to help set up victory at Headingley but a series of poor displays from him in the Champions Trophy meant Jones got the nod for the Ashes.

It became pretty apparent that Read is a better keeper than Jones Ricky Ponting

However, Jones totalled only 63 runs in six innings before making way again for Read.

Panesar took 17 wickets in four Tests against Pakistan but the more experienced Giles was preferred at the start despite only recently returning from long-term injury problems.

Giles claimed only three wickets in the first two games, while Panesar marked his recall in Perth with a match haul of eight.

"Those sorts of things in the team would have unsettled a few - you have to pick your best players.

"It became pretty apparent that Read is a better keeper than Jones in the last couple of games he played," Ponting added.