Ricky Ponting has given his playing XI for hosts Australia ahead of their first Test match against India. The Test series between India and Australia will begin with the day and night Test at Adelaide on 17th December. Former Australia skipper Ponting has picked some surprising names that he believes will cause a bit of a spur. 

Since David Warner has been ruled out of the opening Test, Ponting went ahead with another left-handed batsman. Ponting chose Matthew Wade as the opening partner for an out of form Joe Burns. The former cricketer thinks that Burns should be picked for the first Test as he has 4 Test match centuries at an impressive average of 40. Ponting wants a left-right combination at the top thus picked Wade and Burns as his opening batsmen.

Ricky Ponting Picks Wade And Burns As His Opening Batsmen

“I’ll have a lot of messages and suggestions coming my way that he (Burns) hasn’t scored enough runs to stay in the side, but I’m keeping him in there. 40 in his last Test innings, he’s made four-Test match hundreds, averages almost 40, I’m sticking with him and showing some faith”, Ponting told 7Cricket.

“What I am doing is moving Matthew Wade up to the top of the order. It gives a left-hand, right-hand combination. We saw last time India were out here, when we had two left-handers in our top order, the Indian bowling attack absolutely dominated the two lefties. I know I’ll cause a bit of a stir here, but that’s the way I’d go”, stated the former right-handed batsman.

Also Read: ‘Who Will Bat At Number Four When Virat Kohli Goes?’ Ricky Ponting Questions

Plus, Ponting picked the talented all-rounder Cameron Green in his team for the first Test. Green suffered a concussion during the practice match against India but Ponting maintains that if he’s fit he should be in the Aussie side. As far the bowling is concerned Ponting picked the successful trio of Josh Hazelwood, Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins. He wrapped up the side by picking seasoned off-spinner Nathan Lyon as the specialist spinner. 

Ricky Ponting’s Australia XI: Matthew Wade, Joe Burns, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green (if fit), Tim Paine (c), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon.

Also Read: Cameron Green In Line For Test Debut If He Passes Fitness Test: Justin Langer