Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting has revealed his predicted Australia XI for the upcoming fourth Ashes 2023 Test in Manchester. The tourists are leading the ongoing series at 2-1 after winning first two games and losing the Headingley Test.
Ponting’s selection focused on the opening combination, which has been a subject of discussion following Australia’s struggles against England’s Stuart Broad. While Australian skipper Pat Cummins hinted at potential changes in the opening partnership, Ponting believed in backing David Warner to open alongside Usman Khawaja.
Addressing the recent debate surrounding Warner’s form, Ponting, while talking to ICC, stated, “I know there’s been a lot of chat the last couple of days since the end of Headingley and it’s more the fact that it’s Broad that’s getting him out, I think. I think if it was anybody else, the noise probably wouldn’t be quite as loud, but the fact that he struggled to get through the opening spells of Broad a few times in this series again, makes it a little bit more of a worry.”
Ponting emphasized the mental battle that Warner might be facing against Broad, who has dismissed him 17 times in his career. Despite this, Ponting reckoned that sticking with Warner would be a wise decision.
In terms of other selections, Ponting expected Mitchell Marsh to retain his spot in the team based on his impressive batting performance in the first innings of the previous Test. This would mean Cameron Green missing out once again.
Ponting also anticipated the return of Josh Hazlewood to the lineup, considering his fitness. He suggested that Scott Boland, who struggled to make a significant impact in the previous Test, might make way for Hazlewood’s inclusion.
“It hasn’t been Boland’s series so far. I think they’ll go back to Hazlewood if he is fit and I don’t know if he’s not, but if he’s fit, I think they’ll go straight back to him,” Ponting added.
Ricky Ponting’s predicted Australia XI for Manchester Test: David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitch Marsh, Alex Carey, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Todd Murphy, Josh Hazlewood
