The 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia is still three months away but the excitement and hype for the much-hyped Test series has already begun with legendary cricketer-turned-coach Ricky Ponting sharing his thoughts on the key issue in the hosts’ line-up.
It is noteworthy that the Australian cricket team and the Indian cricket team will be locking horns in the five-match Test series in November and December on Australian soil. This Border-Gavaskar Trophy will be really important for both the teams, keeping in mind the final of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25.
Ricky Ponting reveals key concerns about Australia’s lineup for Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25
Well, speaking on the latest episode of The ICC Review, Ricky Ponting said that he does not expect any drastic changes in Australia’s team selection for the much-awaited Test series against India at home. However, former Australian captain Ricky Ponting has made a bold statement regarding Steve Smith’s role as the team’s opener in Test cricket.
Steve Smith was promoted to opener after David Warner’s retirement from international cricket, which created an opportunity for star all-rounder Cameron Green to take up his preferred position at No. 4 in Australia’s Test line-up. However, Ricky Ponting has predicted that Steve Smith will not continue as opener in the upcoming Test series against India.
Despite the stability expected in the Australian team, the legendary batsman has pointed out that the biggest uncertainty revolves around whether Steve Smith is the ideal choice for the starting spot. With the team set-up designed to accommodate Green, the decision on Smith’s role could influence the final line-up for the upcoming Border Gavaskar Trophy.
However, Ricky Ponting remains unsure whether this setup will continue or whether changes will be made based on Smith’s performance and his suitability for the opener’s role, but hinted that Australia could consider alternative options ahead of the high-stakes Test series with minimal surprises.
If Steve Smith is the right man to open the batting in Tests: Ricky Ponting
Ricky Ponting said at the ICC review: “I think Australia will pick themselves. Probably the only doubt there can be with Australia again is whether Steve Smith is the right man to open the batting. That would be the only doubt I can see there.”
Ponting further noted: “But it was all obviously about bringing Cameron Green back into the team. So, I’ll rephrase it, not whether Smith is the right man to open the batting, but whether he thinks it’s the right place for him. Because I think if he doesn’t think it’s the right place for him, then they’ll make a change and bring someone else back in there.”
Notably, India have been dominant in recent years, winning the last two Test series in Australia and retaining the Border-Gavaskar Trophy since their 4-1 series win at home in March 2017.
However, Ponting believes that the upcoming five-match Test series could tilt in favour of the hosts. Given the possibility of a draw and possible bad weather, Ponting predicted a 3-1 win for Australia in the Test series against India.
