IND vs AUS: Ricky Ponting predicts biggest wicket-taker for Border-Gavaskar Trophy

Former Australian captain and cricket icon Ricky Ponting named Josh Hazlewood as the standout bowler for the much-awaited Test series between India and Australia.

Overlooking Pat Cummins, Nathan Lyon and even India pace sensation Jasprit Bumrah, Ponting predicted that Josh Hazlewood will emerge as the best wicket-taker in the upcoming Test series.

Josh Hazlewood’s exceptional form and consistency in recent Test matches inspired Ricky Ponting to pick the Australian pacer as the leading wicket-taker in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 against India, starting November 22 in Perth.

Ricky Ponting backs Josh Hazlewood as top wicket-taker in blockbuster India-Australia Test series

With Australia set to rotate their bowling attack due to the demanding schedule, Ponting has estimated that Josh Hazlewood will play a key role during the high-voltage five-match Test series against the Rohit Sharma-led Indian cricket team.

Also Read: IND vs AUS: Ricky Ponting predicts the winner of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy

Hazlewood’s solid form and adaptability make him a reliable figure on both spin and seamer tracks, making him Ponting’s standout choice to lead the wicket tally in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 against India at home.

Hazlewood has already established himself as the Australian bowler with the most wickets in the current WTC cycle, highlighting his ability to constantly trouble and dismantle batting line-ups. With 51 wickets so far in the 2023-25 ​​WTC cycle, Hazlewood’s effectiveness has set the stage for what could be a record-breaking performance in the series.

I’ll go with him for the leading wicket-taker: Ricky Ponting.

Ricky Ponting said on the latest episode of The ICC Review: “I think Hazlewood, outside of the Australian rapids, is right at the moment and is probably at the peak of his powers more than the others. So I will go with him as the leading wicket-taker.”

Apart from the bowling department, Ponting hinted at a fascinating battle for runs. He predicted that Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant or Australian batting maestro Steve Smith would emerge as the leading run-scorer in the upcoming Test series.

Also Read: No Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma!! Ricky Ponting predicts the top scorer of the IND vs AUS tests

As Steve Smith prepares to return to his favorite No. 4 position, Ponting backs the former captain to lead the Australian batting line-up from the front against India. After an experimental period in the top order, Smith’s return to his preferred position is expected to allow him greater stability, where his tactical prowess and shot selection can flourish in the upcoming Test series.

Ponting predicts Rishabh Pant or Steve Smith can emerge as the leading run-scorer in BGT 2024-25

The Australian cricket icon further noted: “I think Smith, the fact that he went from first place to fourth place probably makes it seem like he has more to prove… that maybe he shouldn’t have gone up to first place in the first place and that number 4 is his place and where he probably should have been all along and where he probably ended his career now.”

Ponting signed off by saying: “And with Rishabh back in the side and probably coming in to bat in the middle order when the ball has probably lost a bit of its shine and a bit of its toughness and the shape it’s in, I’ll go.” . “For him also as one of the main run scorers.”