The two-match Take a look at sequence between Sri Lanka and Australia is about to start on January 29, with each matches happening on the iconic Galle Worldwide Stadium.
Following the Take a look at sequence, the groups will face off in two ODIs in Colombo, serving as preparation for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which begins on February 19. Forward of the Take a look at sequence, former Australian captain Ricky Ponting has weighed in on Australia’s choice technique, notably the essential alternative of openers.
Ricky Ponting’s verdict on Travis Head
Chatting with SENQ Breakfast, Ponting has expressed his reluctance to push Travis Head to the highest of Australia’s batting order for the Sri Lanka tour. Head has been Australia’s standout performer at No. 5 in recent times, showcasing exceptional consistency. Nonetheless, his document in Asia doesn’t match his achievements elsewhere; from 10 matches on the continent, he has but to register a Take a look at century.
Head’s underwhelming performances in Asia and the absence of David Warner as a result of harm beforehand supplied him with a possibility to open throughout Australia’s tour of India in 2023. Nonetheless, Ponting believed Head ought to stay within the center order.
“There’s been a little bit of discuss perhaps Travis Head going again to the highest of the order over within the subcontinent, as he did on the final Indian tour. However I personally wouldn’t try this. I feel Khawaja must play as a result of he must get again into some type of rhythm of constructing Take a look at match runs. His play of spin within the final couple of years has actually improved, so I’d go away him there,” Ponting stated.
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Australian openers for the Sri Lanka Exams
Ponting advocates for giving younger opener Sam Konstas with Usman Khawaja an opportunity in Sri Lanka’s difficult situations, prioritizing long-term improvement. He believed that introducing younger abilities like Konstas in overseas situations is essential for Australia’s future in Take a look at cricket.
“I wouldn’t be shifting Konstas both. I feel it’s a fantastic alternative for this Australian group to blood these younger blokes, particularly on a tour like this to Sri Lanka, which is so totally different. It’s going to be so overseas to most likely something he’s ever carried out earlier than in his life,” the 50-year-old added.
The legendary cricketer emphasised that the Sri Lanka tour is a perfect setting for Konstas to refine his expertise away from the extraordinary scrutiny of Australian media and followers.
“Having come into Take a look at cricket in a whirlwind in opposition to India, I feel this tour presents Konstas with the right alternative to get away from the thrill, highlight, and media consideration that he has had right here in Australia. It’ll be good for him to be taught what it’s truly wish to be a world cricketer on the street in actually robust, difficult overseas situations,” Ponting concluded.