(Source X)
With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 between India and Australia still three months away, anticipation for the highly anticipated Test series is already building. Legendary cricketer-turned-coach Ricky Ponting has shared his views on a key issue facing the hosts’ lineup.
The five-match Test series, set to take place in November and December on Australian soil, will be crucial for both teams as they vie for a spot in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 final.
Ricky Ponting has highlighted significant concerns regarding Australia’s lineup for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.
On the latest episode of The ICC Review, Ricky Ponting discussed the upcoming Test series between Australia and India, noting that he doesn’t anticipate major changes to Australia’s squad selection. However, he made a provocative comment regarding Steve Smith’s role as an opener in Test cricket.
After David Warner’s retirement, Steve Smith was promoted to the opening position, allowing Cameron Green to assume his preferred spot at No. 4 in the Test lineup. Despite this adjustment, Ponting suggested that Smith might not retain his role as an opener for the series against India.
Ponting acknowledged that while the Australian squad is likely to remain stable, the biggest question mark is whether Smith is the right choice for the opening position. With the team structured to accommodate Green, the decision on Smith’s role could impact the final lineup for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Ponting indicated that there might be some consideration of alternative options depending on Smith’s performance and suitability in the opener role, but he expects minimal surprises before the crucial series.
If Steve Smith’s the right man to be opening the batting in Tests: Ricky Ponting
Ricky Ponting said on the ICC Review: “I think Australia will pretty much pick itself. Probably the only one question there might be with Australia again is if Steve Smith’s the right man to be opening the batting. That would be the only query that I can see there.”
Ponting further noted, “But that was all about obviously bringing Cameron Green back into the side. So, I’ll rephrase it, not whether Smith’s the right man to open the batting but whether he thinks it’s the right spot for him. Because I think if he doesn’t think it’s the right spot, then they’ll make a change and get someone else back up there.”
India has been a dominant force in recent years, having won the last two Test series in Australia and retaining the Border-Gavaskar Trophy since their 4-1 victory at home in March 2017.
Despite this, Ponting anticipates that the upcoming five-match Test series could tilt in favor of the hosts. Considering potential weather disruptions and the possibility of a draw, he forecasts a 3-1 series win for Australia over India.
