As the much-anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy nears, former Australian captain Ricky Ponting has made a bold prediction. Speaking on The ICC Review, Ponting foresees Australia prevailing over India with a 3-1 series victory. His forecast was initially shared in August, and after India’s recent series loss to New Zealand and the absence of key pacer Mohammed Shami due to injury, Ponting remains confident in his outlook.
He believes Shami’s absence will weaken India’s bowling, making it tougher for them to take the 20 wickets needed to win a Test match in Australia. Ponting acknowledged India might secure one Test win but sees Australia’s depth and experience at home giving them a decisive edge.
Leading Batsmen: Smith or Pant?
When asked about potential top run-scorers, Ponting identified Steve Smith and Rishabh Pant as contenders. Smith’s likely move from opener to the No.4 spot could enhance his performance, Ponting noted, as this position better suits his style and experience. Reflecting on Smith’s previous struggles as an opener, Ponting believes the shift will allow him to make a stronger impact in the series.
Pant, meanwhile, with his aggressive middle-order batting, might excel against a worn-out ball, making him another strong candidate for leading run-scorer. Ponting praised Pant’s recent form and suggested his unique ability to handle Australia’s bowling attack could lead him to a high run tally.
Hazlewood Leads the Bowling Charge
Among Australia’s bowlers, Ponting singled out Josh Hazlewood as the likely top wicket-taker. While he acknowledged the strength of Australia’s pace trio—Hazlewood, Pat Cummins, and Mitchell Starc—he expects Hazlewood to outperform his peers. Ponting reasoned that Cummins and Starc may not play all five Tests due to workload management, whereas Hazlewood is at peak form and could consistently feature throughout the series.
Hazlewood’s precise, disciplined bowling style, combined with his current rhythm, makes him Ponting’s favourite to lead the wicket charts. The first Test between India and Australia is set to begin on November 22, with both teams vying for the top spot in the ICC World Test Championship standings. Ponting’s bold predictions, if they hold true, could lead Australia closer to securing a WTC final spot.
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