(Source Linkedin)
Under Mitchell Marsh’s leadership, the Australia cricket team has been formidable in the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2024 across the USA and West Indies. Despite their strong performance, cricket legend Ricky Ponting believes that the Kangaroos have not yet showcased their peak form in the tournament.
Having triumphed in all four Group B matches, Australia continued their dominant streak in the Super-8 stage with another commanding victory over Bangladesh. This solidifies their reputation as one of the top contenders to clinch the 2024 edition of the tournament.
Despite a convincing 28-run victory over Bangladesh via the DLS method in their first Super-8 match at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua, Mitchell Marsh’s Australian team, powered by David Warner’s unbeaten half-century and Pat Cummins’ three-wicket haul, continues to demonstrate dominance in the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2024.
However, cricket legend Ricky Ponting believes Australia has yet to hit their peak in the tournament. While acknowledging their solid performances thus far, Ponting emphasized the need for more consistency from the middle order, highlighting Mitchell Marsh and Glenn Maxwell who are yet to fully showcase their potential.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Ponting remarked, “They’ve played some good cricket. I don’t think they’ve been at their absolute best yet. I think they’d still prefer some runs from their middle order. Mitchell Marsh hasn’t really found his rhythm yet. Glenn Maxwell hasn’t really found his rhythm yet.”
Ponting also noted Australia’s strategic adjustments in the lineup during the T20 World Cup 2024, indicating preparation for the crucial stages of the tournament. He commended their management of a demanding schedule that includes three Super-8 matches in just five days.
Ricky Ponting anticipates that Australia will hit their peak form during the knockout stages of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024. Ponting pointed out Australia’s strategic decision to rest key fast bowlers like Mitchell Starc, opting to give Ashton Agar an opportunity. This move indicates their focus on managing player workload and maintaining freshness for crucial upcoming matches, including their encounter with India in the Super-8 stage on June 24th.
Ponting issued a warning to other teams, suggesting that Australia’s best performances are yet to be seen in the tournament. He sees this trend as a positive indicator for Australia to assert dominance during the knockout rounds.
Historically, Australian teams have excelled in peaking at the right moment, and Ponting believes this will be pivotal for their success in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024 knockout stages.
Ponting said, “They’ve tinkered with their side on a few occasions as well. They’ve been looking ahead, I think, to this stage of the tournament. They’ve got three games now in about five days. So, they’ve rested some of their fast bowlers. Ashton Agar got a game along the way. So, I think their best cricket is still ahead of them, which is normally the way with Australia in these big tournaments.”
