In a daring and sudden transfer, former Australian captain Ricky Ponting shared his selection for the substitute of injured Mitch Marsh of their squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Marsh, a pivotal determine in Australia’s limited-overs setup, suffered a again damage that dominated him out of the distinguished match. Australian selectors have till February 12 to finalize his substitute and submit their official 15-member squad to the ICC.
Ricky Ponting reveals his selection as substitute of Mitchell Marsh
Whereas Australia have but to announce a substitute for Marsh, Ponting has thrown a wildcard title into the combo. Talking on The ICC Overview, Ponting believed that Mitchell Owen, who dominated the latest Large Bash League (BBL) season, has the potential to make a direct influence on the worldwide stage.
“I’m unsure which means they’ll go, to be trustworthy. I don’t know when you guys have been watching the BBL, however we’ve had one younger child that’s simply emerged out of nowhere, a child known as Mitch Owen, who has opened the batting for the Hobart Hurricanes,” Ponting stated.
Owen’s efficiency within the BBL turned heads as he completed because the main run-scorer, amassing 452 runs at an astonishing strike fee of 203.60. Moreover, he demonstrated his all-round skills by choosing up three wickets together with his medium tempo. His outstanding kind additionally earned him a contract with the Paarl Royals within the SA20 2025.
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Batting and all-round potential
Ponting additional emphasised that Owen’s skillset aligns properly with Marsh’s function within the Australian ODI setup. Regardless of his advocacy for Owen, Ponting admitted that the transfer could be an unconventional selection for the selectors.
“He’s additionally an all-rounder, most likely extra suited as a substitute for Marsh. Mitch Marsh has batted within the prime three in one-day cricket, largely within the final couple of years. Mitch Owen has opened the batting in T20 cricket and has additionally opened for Tasmania within the Marsh Cup this season, which is our home 50-over format. Look, truthfully, I’d be shocked whether it is him, however I believe the selectors now know that there’s a actually high-quality substitute there,” Ponting concluded.
Australia’s Champions Trophy 2025 marketing campaign
Australia, the five-time ODI World Cup winners, will kick off their Champions Trophy marketing campaign towards England on February 22 at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. As they put together for the match, the collection of a substitute for Marsh will probably be an important choice. If Australia opts for an skilled campaigner, they may lean in the direction of a longtime all-rounder. Nonetheless, in the event that they select to again youthful exuberance and uncooked expertise, Owen might discover himself making a shock worldwide debut on one among cricket’s greatest levels.
With selectors weighing their choices, Ponting’s endorsement of Owen has added an intriguing narrative to Australia’s Champions Trophy preparations. Whether or not the selectors take the danger or go for a extra typical selection stays to be seen, however Owen’s meteoric rise in home cricket actually makes him a contender value contemplating.