Ricky Ponting has tipped the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which begins later this year, to end 3-1 in Australia‘s advantage. Five Test matches total, to be held in Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney, will be hosted by the Australians.
Australia is currently ranked second in the World Test Championship (WTC) standings, closely trailed by India at the top. The WTC final is scheduled for 2025, and the team that wins the Border-Gavaskar Trophy may be able to secure a ticket for the championship match.
India will be optimistic about their prospects in Australia because on their previous two visits, they came back with historic and unforgettable series victories. Since they regained the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at home in 2017, the Asian powerhouses have maintained a tight grip on it. Ponting, however, thinks Australia will be the small favourites going into the forthcoming series.
“It’s going to be a competitive series and as I said I think Australia’s got a bit of a point to prove against India in Australia on the back of what’s happened the last the last two series here,” Ricky Ponting said during the ICC Review.
The other incredibly essential aspect of this series is that we are back to five Tests. The past few occasions, there have only been four tests. I believe that the five tests have everyone quite enthusiastic, though I’m not sure if there would be an excessive number of drawn games. Naturally, I’ll bet on Australia to win, and I’ll never bet against them. I’m going to predict Australia wins 3-1 because there will be a draw someplace and some terrible weather somewhere,” he continued.
Australia will, in my opinion, essentially choose itself: Ricky Ponting
In terms of their lineup for the intense series, Ricky Ponting predicted that Australia wouldn’t have too many surprises to give. However, he added, Australia might alter its strategy and let Steve Smith bat lower in the order if he decides the opening position isn’t for him.
Since David Warner announced his retirement from Test cricket earlier this year, Smith has opened the batting for the Australians. He has opened the batting in four of the matches this year, but his average is a pitiful 28.50. Ho wever.
“I believe Australia will essentially choose itself. The only question that remains, if Australia plays again, is whether Steve Smith is the best guy to begin the batting. The only question I can think of there would be that one. However, that was clearly all about getting Cameron Green back into the lineup, as Ponting pointed out.
To put it another way, I’ll ask whether Smith believes that opening the batting is the proper position for him rather than if he’s the right man for the job. Because I believe they’ll make a change and install someone else in that position if he doesn’t feel it’s the correct one,” the 49-year-old continued.
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