Cricket News

‘Australia will be talking about them’ – Ricky Ponting picks two Indian players that Australia should be wary of in Test Championship Final

As the Test Championship Final between Australia and India nears all eyes have been switched from IPL to England where the final is scheduled to be held. Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has also revealed his liking for Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara and has claimed that those two would have a crucial role to play.

“The Australian team will be talking about Virat, no doubt about it, and they’ll be talking about Pujara,” Ricky Ponting told ICC Review. “They’re the two. Pujara has been a thorn in their side a lot in the past, and in Australia, and this wicket will potentially be a lot more like an Australian pitch. They know that they’ll have to get him early, ” said Ponting.

The 48-year-old continued, “They also know that Virat over the last few weeks is probably just about back to his absolute best, albeit in T20 cricket,” he added. “He told me that the feeling he’s getting right now is that he’s almost back to his best, and that’s an ominous warning for the Australians going into a one-off game.”

He’s got a bit of swagger – Ponting

Ponting who worked as Delhi Capitals’ head coach during the Indian Premier League 2023 season has also lauded IPL Orange cap winner Shubman Gill for his incredible season. He said that Gill plays with a swagger and has predicted that he would step up against Australia in the Test Championship final.

“He looks like a terrific young guy. He’s got that bit of attitude about him as well. He’s got a bit of swagger. He has some serious class. That sort of front foot pull shot that he plays against the fast bowlers will be a shot that he’ll probably need against this Australian attack, ” said the 3 time World Cup winner.

He concluded, “I think he has to step up or try and take his game to another level if India are going to win this game,” he said. “When you talk to the Australian batters as well, they understand how good Shami is whether it’s new ball or old ball, whether it’s in Australia or India. They know the skillset he’s got and how dangerous he can be. It’s going to have to be him.”