Ricky Ponting has predicted that Australia will win the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India with a 3-1 scoreline.
He believes that Australia, after losing the last two home Test series to India by 2-1 margins in 2018-19 and 2020-21, will be determined to prove themselves. The last time Australia defeated India in a Test series was back in 2014-15.
Ponting, speaking on the ICC Review, mentioned that the series would be highly competitive. He highlighted that Australia has a point to prove, especially given their recent home defeats to India. He also highlighted the return to a five-Test series format, which he believes adds to the excitement. Ponting expressed his confidence in Australia's chances, suggesting that while there might be a draw due to bad weather, he expects Australia to win 3-1.
Should Steven Smith Continue as Opener?
Ponting discussed the likely composition of the Australian team, noting that the lineup largely picks itself. However, he questioned whether Steven Smith should continue as an opener, a position he assumed after David Warner's retirement at the SCG earlier this year.
Ponting speculated that the only uncertainty in the Australian lineup might be whether Smith is the best choice to open the batting. He clarified that the real question is whether Smith feels comfortable in that role. If Smith decides it's not the right spot for him, Ponting suggested that the team might make a change and bring in another player to fill the opening position.
Smith's recent performance as an opener has been underwhelming, with just 51 runs in four innings during his last Test series in New Zealand. His promotion to the opening position was intended to accommodate Cameron Green in the XI, a decision that paid off when Green emerged as the top scorer on the tour with 238 runs, including an unbeaten 174 in Wellington.
However, the statistics for Smith as an opener are not encouraging. In eight innings in that role, he has only managed one score above 30, with an average of 28.50. Despite a high score of 91 against West Indies at the Gabba, his overall performance as an opener remains inconsistent.