Even before the India vs England series gets started, there is one major event that would take away all the attention — the WTC final between Australia and South Africa. Most of the participating players have returned home in preparation for the big Test in England. So, what should the Aussie playing XI look like?
WTC Final from June 11
Experts have their own take, but then former Australia skipper Ricky Ponting has a clear understanding of how the team should look like. In fact, the veteran came up with a clear suggestion from Usman Khwaja’s opening partner as well. On the latest episode of the ICC review, Ponting said, “I have just got a bit of a feeling that Marnus Labuschagne might be pushed up the order to open the batting with Khawaja.”
Ricky Ponting Picks Between Scott Boland & Josh Hazlewood
“I think Green will bat at three and Steve Smith will be at four. Then it’s Travis Head five, Beau Webster six, Carey at seven, Cummins eight, Starc nine and Lyon 10.” Ponting also addressed the Scott Boland vs Josh Hazlewood issue as well, where it becomes a big headache for the management, to leave out either.
“And the one that everyone talks about the last couple of years is the whole Hazlewood (versus) Boland one. It’s a really tough selection every time because every time Boland plays, he just does so well. But unfortunately, if Hazlewood is fit, I think Hazlewood comes straight back into the team.”
Ricky Ponting’s predicted Australia XI: 1. Usman Khawaja, 2. Marnus Labuschagne, 3. Cameron Green, 4. Steve Smith, 5. Travis Head, 6. Beau Webster, 7. Alex Carey (wk), 8. Pat Cummins (c), 9. Mitchell Starc, 10. Nathan Lyon, 11. Josh Hazlewood.
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