IND vs AUS: Australia’s performance in the opening Test against India in Perth was far from their best. Jasprit Bumrah, alongside his teammates, dominated the Australian batting order, leading India to a convincing 295-run victory. Australia’s top-order struggled, and despite the challenging conditions, the loss highlighted areas in need of improvement.
Ponting’s Confidence In The Current Squad
Despite Australia’s disappointing loss, former captain Ricky Ponting believes no changes should be made to the squad for the pink-ball Test in Adelaide. Speaking on The ICC Review, Ponting emphasized the need to show faith in the team’s experienced players.
“I’d be sticking with the same side,” Ponting said, emphasizing the value of trusting “champion players,” many of whom have proven their ability on the big stage, even if their recent form has been inconsistent.
Marnus Labuschagne Faces Scrutiny
One key player facing scrutiny after the Perth Test is Marnus Labuschagne. The former No. 1 ranked Test batter has seen a significant dip in his form, with his average dropping since his last major contribution—a pair of half-centuries against Pakistan in January. Labuschagne struggled in Perth, managing just two and three runs in his two innings.
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Ponting pointed out that Labuschagne appeared particularly tentative at the crease. “He’s got to find a way to turn it around,” Ponting said. “Marnus looked the most tentative out of all the batters in Perth. Yes, it was high-quality bowling on a difficult wicket, but he needs to find a way to turn it around.”
Mental Challenge For Australian Batters
Labuschagne’s struggle is part of a broader mental challenge faced by Australian batters, particularly in challenging conditions. Ponting, however, believes that adopting a more aggressive mindset could be the key to improving their performances.
Against bowlers like Bumrah, who was outstanding in the first innings with a five-wicket haul, Ponting stressed the importance of taking calculated risks. “You have to find a way to take risks and put it back on those guys because you know Bumrahs of the world they’re not going to give you too many easy scoring opportunities,” he said.
Virat Kohli’s Example Of Positive Mindset
Ponting also cited Virat Kohli’s resilience as a prime example of the mindset Australia’s top-order batters need. Despite being dismissed for just five in the first innings, Kohli responded with a stunning century in the second innings. Ponting noted that Kohli returned to trusting his game and focusing on his strengths, which is what Australian batters like Labuschagne and Steve Smith need to do to regain form.
“Virat went back to trusting his game and he looked like a different player in the second innings,” Ponting explained. “That’s what Marnus and Smith need to do – find their way and show great intent.”
Adelaide Test: A Crucial Opportunity For Australia
With the pink-ball Test in Adelaide just around the corner, Ponting sees it as a crucial opportunity for Australia to bounce back. He believes that a shift in mindset could unlock the team’s potential, particularly when it comes to focusing on scoring runs rather than fearing getting out.
“Think about scoring runs first and not think about getting out first. That’s always a challenge for a batter, especially when you’re not in great form,” Ponting advised. “There’s only one way to change it and that is to be positive and show great intent.”
Support For Mitch Marsh And Beau Webster
Ponting also expressed his congratulations to fellow Tasmanian all-rounder Beau Webster, who earned his maiden call-up to the Test squad. However, he backed Mitch Marsh to retain his spot for the upcoming Adelaide Test, assuming Marsh is fit.
“Congratulations to Beau. He’s had three or four years of really good, high-quality, consistent all-round cricket,” Ponting said. “Unless something’s wrong with Mitchell Marsh on the back of that first Test match, you would think that the only spot Webster could take in that side would be the all-rounder role.”
