New Delhi . Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting feels that Australia will defeat India 31 in the upcoming Test series. He said that India's bowling has become weak due to the injury of Mohammed Shami.
Ponting said in the ICC review that to win the Test match in Australia, India will have to take 20 wickets, which will be difficult for them. However, he admitted that India can win a Test match.
Ponting said that Steve Smith or Rishabh Pant can score the most runs in this series.
According to Ponting, the return of Australian batsman Steve Smith from the top order to number 4 can increase his chances of performing better in the Test series. Smith played some matches as an opener, but did not get much success in it. Now before the series against India, it is almost certain that this strong Australian batsman will be sent back to number 4.
Ricky Ponting believes that Smith's return to this position could prove that playing at number 4 rather than as an opener could be the right place for his career, and it is probably here that he will end his career. Ponting also added that Rishabh Pant's return to the team could provide a challenge to Smith.
Ponting described Rishabh Pant's form when he came into the middle order and the playing conditions after the shine and hardness of the ball had reduced, as beneficial for him. He also talked about considering Pant as one of the leading run scorers of the series.
Among the bowlers, Ponting backed veteran fast bowler Josh Hazlewood to take the most wickets. Of Australia's three leading fast bowlers (Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Hazlewood), Ponting admitted that Starc and Cummins might not play all five Test matches, while Hazlewood's situation is different.
Ponting said, “Hazlewood is at the peak of his ability at the moment, so I consider him the top wickettaking bowler of this series.”
The first Test between India and Australia will start from November 22. This important series can help predict the teams that will reach the final of the ICC World Test Championship, as Australia and India are currently at the top of the table.
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Image Credit: KhasKhabar.