Ricky Ponting, the former Australian captain, remains steadfast in his belief that Australia will emerge victorious in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) against India. In an interview with the International Cricket Council (ICC), Ponting reiterated his earlier prediction of a 3-1 series win for Australia, citing the absence of veteran Indian pacer Mohammad Shami as a significant factor.
Shami’s side strain injury has cast doubt on his availability for the series, and Ponting believes that his absence will make it challenging for India to take 20 wickets in a Test match in Australia. “Shami just leaves such a big hole in that bowling group,” Ponting told the ICC website. “Taking 20 wickets in a Test match for India is going to be the biggest challenge.”
Compounding India’s concerns is their recent 0-3 whitewash at home by New Zealand. However, Ponting acknowledges that the visitors have the potential to win one of the five Tests. “I think India will win a Test match somewhere through the five Test matches,” he predicted.
Despite India’s struggles, Ponting believes that Australia is the more settled and experienced team, making them difficult to beat at home. “Australia probably look a bit more settled, a bit more experienced and we know that they’re a very hard team to beat at home,” he said.
Ponting also identified Steve Smith and Rishabh Pant as potential leading run-scorers in the series. “Leading run scorer, I’m going to go (with) Steve Smith or Rishabh Pant,” he said.
Pant has been in impressive form, scoring 261 runs in six innings against New Zealand, while Smith has moved back down to his preferred position at No. 4 in the batting order. “I think Smith, the fact that he’s moved back down from opener to No. 4 probably makes it feel like he’s got more of a point to prove,” Ponting said.
The first Test of the BGT series begins in Perth on November 22, and Ponting’s predictions will be put to the test as Australia and India battle for supremacy in one of the most intense rivalries in cricket.
