India’s upcoming five-match Take a look at collection in opposition to Australia, beginning on November 22, will mark the primary time in over three many years that the 2 nations will compete in a five-Take a look at collection. The final occasion was within the 1991-92 season, and this collection 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 collection carries vital weight, particularly with each India and Australia sitting atop the ICC World Take a look at Championship (WTC) factors desk. It presents a vital alternative for each groups to cement their place within the WTC remaining. 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 contemporary in followers’ minds.
Ricky Ponting’s daring prediction: Main run-scorer of the collection
Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting, an undisputed cricketing legend, made his daring predictions for the Border Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 collection’ 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 stated confidently to Sanjana Ganesan throughout a current interview on the ICC Assessment Present.
Ponting, who is thought for his insightful commentary and deep data of the sport, first mentioned Smith’s position within the upcoming collection. He famous that Smith’s return to his customary place at No. 4 may tremendously profit his run-scoring potential. Ponting’s evaluation means that Smith’s change again to No. 4 is not going to solely give him higher stability but additionally permit him to tackle a extra decisive position in Australia’s batting lineup.
“Smith has made the transfer again to No. 4, and that may very well 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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However, Ponting additionally sees Pant as a powerful 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 circumstances 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 kind coming into this collection, and the truth that he’ll be batting within the center order, it may actually work in his favor. The ball can be softer, and there’s all the time the potential for him taking up 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 kind give him the sting within the upcoming collection.
“Once 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 excellent kind and will play all 5 Exams. His accuracy, management, and skill to keep up stress on the batsmen will make him the main wicket-taker for Australia,” Ponting concluded.
