When David Warner departs from Test cricket in January, former Australian great and three-time World Cup winner Ricky Ponting feels that Cameron Bancroft ought to be selected to take his place. With 945 runs, about 300 more than the next-best player, Bancroft led the Sheffield Shield in run scoring last summer.
Marcus Harris was selected for the Ashes in June instead of Bancroft, despite the latter’s outstanding domestic performance. Matt Renshaw, Bancroft, and Harris are the candidates to open for Warner in the next Test matches. They’ll get another chance to show off their abilities when they play against Pakistan in the Prime Minister’s XI.
Ricky Ponting contends that Bancroft’s exceptional run-scoring record justifies a Test recall.
According to ESPNcricinfo, Ponting stated, “If you look at those three guys, I think it’s quite clear that Bancroft is the one that’s got the runs on the board and I wouldn’t be surprised if they [selectors] go that way.” “The current arrangement might have been slightly different if you go back in time by around six months.
“I believe that Harris was most likely the one that was supposed to return some time ago. I feel like there’s a growing movement now that Cameron Bancroft is getting the first crack.”
In order to make room for all-rounder Cameron Green, Australia’s coach Andrew McDonald has proposed a batting order adjustment; however, Ponting recommends against it, stating that Green should earn his spot through impressive domestic cricket achievements.
“I think Cameron Green might just have to sit back and bide his time and wait for the opportunity to come back,” Ponting stated. In shield cricket, he can score a ton of runs and essentially bully his way back into the team.
“[Marnus] Labuschagne has been outstanding at number three for Australia; it’s very much a specialist position.”
I could see Maxwell returning to the starting lineup for tests. Ponting
Additionally, Ponting says that Glenn Maxwell, who is well-known for his achievements in white-ball cricket, should be given significant consideration for a Test return in light of his recent exceptional outings. Maxwell has scored hundreds in ODIs and T20Is, including an incredible 201 not out against Afghanistan. He has been quite impressive in both formats.
“I could see him getting back into a Test line-up because of the all-round game that he brings in those conditions,” Ponting stated. The most amazing one-day innings I’ve ever witnessed was the [201] not out in the game against Afghanistan. “I’ve been around a lot of games, watched a lot of games, played a lot of games; I’ve never ever seen anything like that.”
In the upcoming Test summer, Ricky Ponting wants the Pat Cummins-captained Australian team to play aggressively and aim for decisive victories.
“I’d be saying to go as hard as you can and just really try to bury these teams and win as convincingly as you can,” Ponting said.