Ricky Ponting’s surprising choices for the India-Australia combined XI ahead of the WTC Final have caused a stir. The highly-anticipated World Test Championship final is scheduled for June 7-11 at The Oval, where India will face Australia.
Ponting’s selection raised eyebrows as he opted for Usman Khawaja to partner with Rohit Sharma as the opening pair, leaving out the in-form Shubman Gill, who recently scored a century in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Ponting justified his choice by praising Khawaja’s exceptional performances in recent years. Furthermore, he named Rohit Sharma as the captain due to his extensive leadership experience. At number three, Ponting selected Marnus Labuschagne, followed by the formidable duo of Virat Kohli and Steve Smith, who are widely regarded as two of the best Test batsmen in the modern era.
Ravindra Jadeja was the third Indian player in Ponting’s XI, while the wicketkeeping duties were assigned to Australian Alex Carey. Ponting highlighted Jadeja’s significant improvement in his batting skills, making him a strong contender for the middle-order position. He commended Carey’s exceptional wicketkeeping abilities, citing his outstanding performances in both Australia and India.
In the pace-bowling attack, Ponting included Mohammed Shami as the sole representative from India, accompanied by Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and spinner Nathan Lyon.
Ricky Ponting’s combined India-Australia Test XI:
Rohit Sharma (c), Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, Ravindra Jadeja, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Mohammad Shami