Ponting to appear at Cairns trial

Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting will head a who's who of high-profile cricketers to appear as witnesses in Chris Cairns' perjury trial in London.

Legal arguments for the trial began at Southwark Crown Court on Monday, and a witness list confirmed those to give evidence included a raft of the former New Zealand star's teammates.

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As well as Ponting, others who will appear include New Zealanders Brendon McCullum, Daniel Vettori, Stephen Fleming, Lou Vincent, Kyle Mills, Chris Harris, Shane Bond, Andre Adams and Mark Greatbatch.

Cairns, 45, is facing a perjury charge stemming from a 2012 libel trial over alleged match-fixing, in which he stated that he had "never, ever cheated at cricket and nor would he ever contemplate such a thing".

He also faces a joint charge with co-defendant barrister Andrew Fitch-Holland of perverting the course of justice for allegedly inducing Vincent to provide false information.

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Arriving at court alone on Monday, Cairns bypassed a waiting pack of media, and went inside without comment.

Cairns' only involvement in court proceedings on Monday was to stand and confirm his identity when asked by the judge.

The trial had been set down for four weeks, but Justice Nigel Sweeney said there was a possibility the trial could run until as late as November 20.

Jury selection is expected to start on Wednesday afternoon, while the first witness is expected to give evidence next Monday.