‘I’ll stick with the 3- 1’- Ricky Ponting confirms his prediction for BGT 2024-25

In the next Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024–25, former Australian captain Ricky Ponting has reiterated his forecast that Australia will win 3–1. He pointed to India’s recent problems and the lack of important pacer Mohammed Shami as major contributing factors.

Ponting expressed greater assurance in his August prognosis in the wake of India’s recent series loss to New Zealand and Shami’s injury setback. According to the Australian icon, India’s bowling prowess will be their biggest obstacle during the five-match Test series.

Probably more so now than in the past. (Mohammed) Shami simply leaves that bowling group with a huge vacancy. There was still some speculation in August about Shami’s suitability at the time. In my opinion, India’s greatest obstacle will be taking 20 wickets in a Test match. “With the current group of batters that they have, I think they’ll bat well enough out here,” Ponting stated in reference to Australia’s prospects against India, as reported by the ICC.

I’ll pick either Steve Smith or Rishabh Pant as the top run scorer: Ricky Ponting

Ponting is certain of Australia’s superior position, but he also praised India’s chances of winning the series.

“I believe that somewhere in the five Test matches, India will prevail. However, I still believe that Australia appears to be a little more established and seasoned today, and we know that they are a very formidable squad to defeat at home. Thus, I will continue to use the 3- 1,” Ponting continued.

In anticipation of their individual achievements, Ponting has tipped Steve Smith and Rishabh Pant to be the series’ top run scorers. Ponting also took a special interest in Smith, who will resume his preferred number four spot.

“Either Steve Smith or Rishabh Pant will be my choice for the top run scorer. I think Smith’s move back down from opener to No. 4 probably gives him more of a point to prove—that perhaps he shouldn’t have gone up to open in the first place and that No. 4 is his spot, where he should have been all along and where he most likely ended his career,” he added.

Given his recent form and consistency, Ponting supported Josh Hazlewood to be the top wicket-taker in the bowling department.

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“I believe that Hazlewood, one of the Australian quicks, is currently likely more skilled than the other guys. He said, “I’ll follow him for the top wicket-taker.”