Former Australian cricketer Ricky Ponting, one of the game’s most successful captains, has predicted Australia’s playing eleven for the highly anticipated World Test Championship final against India.
Ponting believes that if Josh Hazlewood is unable to participate in the summit clash at the Oval next month due to injury, Scott Boland should be given the opportunity.
Ponting’s endorsement of Boland stems from the injuries plaguing the Australian team. Despite Boland’s less-than-ideal performance against India earlier this year, Ponting believes that the English conditions will suit his bowling style.
While Ponting supports an unchanged top-order, consisting of Usman Khawaja, David Warner, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, and Travis Head, he also considers veteran all-rounder Michael Neser as a strong contender. Neser has impressed in domestic cricket and is now in contention for a place in the team.
Regarding the batting order, Ponting expects Warner and Khawaja to open, followed by Labuschagne at three, Smith at four, and Head at five. He believes Cameron Green should bat at six, followed by Alex Carey at seven. The bowling attack, according to Ponting, should consist of Mitchell Starc at eight, Pat Cummins at nine, and Nathan Lyon at ten. In the absence of Hazlewood, Ponting believes Boland should fill the void.