India’s upcoming five-match Check sequence towards Australia, beginning on November 22, will mark the primary time in over three many years that the 2 nations will compete in a five-Check sequence. The final occasion was within the 1991-92 season, and this sequence has sparked immense pleasure and anticipation, each within the cricketing world and amongst former gamers, who’re eagerly making their predictions about key performances.
This sequence carries important weight, particularly with each India and Australia sitting atop the ICC World Check Championship (WTC) factors desk. It presents a vital alternative for each groups to cement their place within the WTC ultimate. The stakes couldn’t be larger, as these two giants of world cricket conflict as soon as once more, with recollections of their iconic previous encounters nonetheless recent in followers’ minds.
Ricky Ponting’s daring prediction: Main run-scorer of the sequence
Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting, an undisputed cricketing legend, made his daring predictions for the Border Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 sequence’ main run-scorer. Ponting highlighted two gamers as potential high contenders for the accolade: Australia’s Steve Smith and India’s Rishabh Pant.
“Main run scorer, I’m going to go – Steve Smith or Rishabh Pant,” Ponting mentioned confidently to Sanjana Ganesan throughout a latest interview on the ICC Evaluation Present.
Ponting, who is thought for his insightful commentary and deep data of the sport, first mentioned Smith’s position within the upcoming sequence. He famous that Smith’s return to his customary place at No. 4 may significantly profit his run-scoring potential. Ponting’s evaluation means that Smith’s swap again to No. 4 is not going to solely give him higher stability but additionally enable him to tackle a extra decisive position in Australia’s batting lineup.
“Smith has made the transfer again to No. 4, and that could possibly be a vital change for him. It’s a spot the place he’s had most of his success, and with that shift, I really feel like he has extra to show, perhaps even exhibiting that opening the batting was a mistake. His greatest years have come from No. 4, and that’s the place I see him persevering with to thrive,” the 49-year-old added.
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Then again, Ponting additionally sees Pant as a robust contender, highlighting Pant’s fearless and aggressive batting fashion. Ponting defined how Pant’s presence within the center order, the place he’ll face much less difficult situations because the ball loses its shine, may give him a bonus in accumulating runs:
“Rishabh Pant is one other participant I see as a possible main run-scorer. Together with his type coming into this sequence, and the truth that he’ll be batting within the center order, it may actually work in his favor. The ball shall be softer, and there’s at all times the potential for him taking over the assault in these center overs, which is the place he’s proven his brilliance. If he can get going, he’s going to be an actual match-winner for India,” the previous Australian skipper reckoned.
High wicket taker in BGT 2024-25: Ponting’s confidence
Shifting on to the bowling division, Ponting’s prediction for the main wicket-taker was clear: Josh Hazlewood. Ponting acknowledged the power of Australia’s tempo assault, together with Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc, however emphasised that Hazlewood’s constant health and peak type give him the sting within the upcoming sequence.
“While you take a look at the Australian tempo assault, I feel Josh Hazlewood is the one who’s on the peak of his powers proper now. Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins may not play each match, however Hazlewood is in very good type and will play all 5 Assessments. His accuracy, management, and skill to take care of strain on the batsmen will make him the main wicket-taker for Australia,” Ponting concluded.
