Ponting’s Playing XI for Sydney Test: The former Australian captain has called for a solitary change for the Sydney Test.
The dismal performance put on display by the Australian cricket team for sometime now has seen several former Australian cricketers sharing their expertise on who should be playing and not playing in the team.
With Australia 1-2 down (one match remaining) in the series, they would be trying their best to win the fourth Test to draw level the series. If that doesn’t happen, the current Indian team will win its first-ever Test series down under, something which is likely to become a hard pill to swallow for the Australian team.
Among one of the legendary cricketers to come forward and share his opinion on the Australia’s combination for Sydney Test is former captain Ricky Ponting. In an interview with cricket.com.au, Ponting spoke against opening batsman Aaron Finch retaining his spot in the fourth Test.
“I’ve seen [Marnus] Labuschagne has come into the line-up so to me straightaway that means Finch has to miss out and Usman will open the batting, I’d imagine. That’s how it looks – Labuschagne probably bats four, [Travis] Head five and Mitch Marsh six – I think that’s the way they’re going to line up,” Ponting was quoted as saying.
Ponting was short of options and believed that this there’s not much that can be done among the current squad. “I can’t really think what else they can do. The selectors and the captain and coach have obviously had a long chat about what they want and what they expect. We’ll see how they line up,” he added.
Ponting particularly talked about all-rounder Labuschagne, who was added to the squad after the Melbourne Test.
“He [Labuschagne] looked impressive a couple of times in the UAE in the Tests over there. [He] bowled well, which is something they’re probably thinking about for the SCG Test as well. To be honest I haven’t seen a lot of him, I’ll reserve my judgment until I see a little more,” Ponting concluded.
Read some of the latest Twitter reactions on the ongoing series below:
After a star performance with bat and ball in the #AUSvIND Boxing Day Test at the MCG, Pat Cummins has insisted he is happy with being first-change bowler and batting at number eight in the Australia Test side.
➡️ https://t.co/q9AlefEz4g pic.twitter.com/PX8b8YWQls
— ICC (@ICC) December 31, 2018
Kerry O’Keeffe has responded to reactions from Indian fans and players regarding on-air comments he made during the third Test. https://t.co/Bme8Ww5Snf pic.twitter.com/ucoabzmhOn
— FOX SPORTS Australia (@FOXSportsAUS) December 30, 2018
Jasprit Bumrah is the first Indian quick in Test history to take five-wicket hauls in Australia, England & South Africa. He’s only played nine Tests… #AUSvIND
— Adam Burnett (@AdamBurnett09) December 30, 2018
“If you have to, or want to win a series away from home, it has to be an obsession.”
Virat Kohli is already looking ahead to Sydney as India chase their first Test series victory in Australia. #AUSvIND REACTION ⬇️https://t.co/QZSoohg4RJ pic.twitter.com/AbNovupp2Y
— ICC (@ICC) December 30, 2018
Congrats #TeamIndia for a fabulous win over #Australia, for 150th Test victory..🇮🇳
It is a big moment and we are so proud! #INDvAUS #BoxingDayTest #Melbourne pic.twitter.com/cclOQm5TaT— Ashok Gehlot (@ashokgehlot51) December 30, 2018
