Australia batters need aggressive mindset to counter Indian bowling: Ricky Ponting
Australian great Ricky Ponting has backed the Pat Cummins-led side to retain their current playing XI for the second Test against India in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, following a resounding defeat in the series opener. Speaking on The ICC Review, Ponting emphasized the importance of continuity and expressed confidence in the ability of key players to bounce back.
Australia suffered a crushing 295-run loss in the first Test in Perth, as India’s Jasprit Bumrah and the bowling attack dismantled the Aussie line-up. Despite the setback, Ponting urged selectors to stick with the same team for the pink-ball Test in Adelaide, which starts on December 6.
Ponting, a former Australian captain, noted that the team features several seasoned players who deserve a chance to redeem themselves. “I’d be sticking with the same side,” he said. “You have to show faith in champion players. Maybe not for a little while, but they have proven their ability on the big stage.”
Ponting singled out Marnus Labuschagne, the former No. 1 Test batter, as a key figure needing improvement. Labuschagne managed just five runs across two innings in Perth, continuing a slump that has persisted since his twin half-centuries against Pakistan earlier in the year.
“He’s really got to find a way to turn it around,” Ponting said. “Yes, it was high-quality bowling on a difficult wicket, but he needs to find a way to adapt and put runs on the board.”
Ponting stressed the importance of adopting an aggressive mindset to counter India’s world-class bowling attack, led by Bumrah, who took five wickets in Australia’s first innings in Perth. “You have to find a way to take risks and put it back on those guys,” Ponting advised. “When someone like Bumrah gives you an opportunity, you need to pounce and put pressure back on him.”
He highlighted Virat Kohli’s masterful second-innings century in the first Test as a blueprint for Australia’s batters. Kohli’s 30th Test ton helped India set a daunting target of 534, after overcoming a first-innings failure.
Ponting also congratulated Beau Webster, who received his maiden Test call-up, but backed Mitch Marsh to keep his place in the XI, provided he is fit. “Congratulations to Beau. He’s had three or four years of really good, high-quality, consistent all-round cricket,” Ponting remarked. “But I think Marsh retains his spot unless there’s an injury.”
Australia faces a do-or-die situation in the day-night Test in Adelaide, where the pink ball traditionally offers extra assistance to bowlers. With the series at stake, Ponting’s advice to back experience and fight fire with fire could shape the team’s approach in a crucial encounter.
India currently lead the four-match series 1–0 and will look to build on their momentum to retain the coveted Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Tune In
