In the wake of their below-par performances in the first Ashes Test at Edgbaston, Australian batters Marnus Labuschagne and Travis Head are seeking redemption. Former captain Ricky Ponting has stepped forward to offer his technical expertise, hoping to guide the pair in countering England’s bowling attack ahead of the second Ashes Test at Lord’s, set to commence on Wednesday (June 28).
Australia emerged victorious by a slim margin of two wickets in the opening match of the 2023 Ashes series, showcasing remarkable individual displays, particularly from Usman Khawaja and Pat Cummins. However, Labuschagne and Head were unable to replicate their usual dominance with the bat, prompting Ponting to provide valuable insights to help them regain their form.
During an interview on The ICC Review, Ponting stressed the importance of Labuschagne returning to basics in order to thrive in the ongoing Ashes series. Despite no longer occupying an official coaching role, Ponting expressed his willingness to engage in one-on-one discussions with the 28-year-old, highlighting his position as an observer and analyst of the game.
The Aussie legend extended an offer to provide guidance and share his valuable insights with Labuschagne should the batter seek assistance. Ponting further suggested that Labuschagne may have been overcomplicating his batting approach, urging him to simplify his game plan.
“I’ll wait for them to come and ask me. It’s not my place, I’m not one of the coaches, I’m just a past player that’s sitting back and analysing what a lot of these guys are doing. But I would like to catch up with him and have a chat about his batting, because I think what I’ve seen over the last couple of weeks, as far as I’m concerned, I think he’s over complicating things a little bit,” said Ponting.
“I think he has to trust and believe in what’s made him the No.2-ranked Test batsman in the world for the last couple of years and go back to trusting that. That’s all I’d say to him really. I would actually tell him to go and watch some footage and watch some video of when he’s actually played his best, and remember those things and go and do that all over again,” he added.
Turning his attention to Head, Ponting emphasized the need for the South Australian to devise a strategy to overcome the initial onslaught from England’s bowlers. Acknowledging Head’s awareness of the expected bowling tactics, Ponting emphasized the importance of mental preparation and strategizing.
Ponting raised pertinent questions for Head to consider, encouraging the left-handed batter to assess the most effective approach to counter the specific challenges posed by England’s bowlers. By engaging Head in critical thinking and decision-making, Ponting aims to equip the South Australian with the tools necessary to tackle the opposition head-on.
“Firstly, he’s (Travis Head) now going to be aware that it’s going to happen. He’s going to expect that. So therefore I think he has to work at it in his own mind. What’s the best way for him to combat that type of bowling? Is it going to be to take it on? Is he going to have success if he tries to hook and pull balls that are into his body? Does he find a way to be able to duck and weave and get out of the way a bit better and try and wear the bowlers down?,” the Tasmanian added further.
