The Galle International Cricket Stadium in Galle will host the opening match of Australia’s two-match Test series against Sri Lanka on January 29.
Star batsman Steven Smith will lead the Australians in the series in lieu of usual captain Pat Cummins, with Travis Head serving as his deputy. Given that they have added players like Matthew Kuhnemann and Toddy Murphy to their team, it is anticipated that the Australians will use more spinners when they play in the subcontinent. In the meantime, the batting mantle remains unclear due to concerns over the position of youthful opener Sam Konstas.
But according to cricket veteran and former Australia captain Ricky Ponting, Smith and company may be persuaded to include Konstas in the starting lineup for the opening Test. Ponting hopes Konstas would be a major source of entertainment in the forthcoming series after being impressed by the batter’s debut against India in the just finished Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
“I believe they should choose Konstas, and I believe they will choose him. They have identified him, and he has already made a strong impression in his debut innings. Throughout the entire series, he generated a great deal of buzz and entertainment. To be honest, I believe they should play him. Ponting told the Sydney Morning Herald, “It’s a tough place to play and a tough place to win.”
It would be challenging to bat in Sri Lanka: Ricky Ponting
The seasoned cricket player added that the subcontinental conditions in Sri Lanka will make it difficult for Australian hitters to accumulate runs. According to Ponting, the squad’s inexperienced players would make it challenging for them to score goals.
All of our men will find it difficult to bat, but those of the younger ones who haven’t dealt with those circumstances much in the past will find it more difficult. However, I believe Konstas should be chosen because it will be a fantastic learning opportunity for him. If I were a selector, I would choose him,” he continued.
For those who are unaware, Australia has already advanced to the World Test Championship final, where they will begin play against South Africa on June 11 at the Lord’s in London. As a result, they will be more confident going into the next red-ball series as they attempt to hold onto the crown they won in the second edition versus India in 2023.
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