India’s upcoming five-match Test series against Australia, starting on November 22, will mark the first time in over three decades that the two nations will compete in a five-Test series. The last instance was in the 1991-92 season, and this series has sparked immense excitement and anticipation, both in the cricketing world and among former players, who are eagerly making their predictions about key performances.
This series carries significant weight, especially with both India and Australia sitting atop the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) points table. It presents a crucial opportunity for both teams to cement their place in the WTC final. The stakes couldn’t be higher, as these two giants of world cricket clash once again, with memories of their iconic past encounters still fresh in fans’ minds.
Ricky Ponting’s bold prediction: Leading run-scorer of the series
Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting, an undisputed cricketing legend, made his bold predictions for the Border Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 series’ leading run-scorer. Ponting highlighted two players as potential top contenders for the accolade: Australia’s Steve Smith and India’s Rishabh Pant.
“Leading run scorer, I’m going to go – Steve Smith or Rishabh Pant,” Ponting said confidently to Sanjana Ganesan during a recent interview on the ICC Review Show.
Ponting, who is known for his insightful commentary and deep knowledge of the game, first discussed Smith’s role in the upcoming series. He noted that Smith’s return to his customary position at No. 4 could greatly benefit his run-scoring potential. Ponting’s analysis suggests that Smith’s switch back to No. 4 will not only give him greater stability but also allow him to take on a more decisive role in Australia’s batting lineup.
“Smith has made the move back to No. 4, and that could be a crucial change for him. It’s a spot where he’s had most of his success, and with that shift, I feel like he has more to prove, maybe even showing that opening the batting was a mistake. His best years have come from No. 4, and that’s where I see him continuing to thrive,” the 49-year-old added.
Also READ: Not Rohit Sharma or Virat Kohli! Scott Boland names the key India player as Australia’s top target in BGT 2024-25
On the other hand, Ponting also sees Pant as a strong contender, highlighting Pant’s fearless and aggressive batting style. Ponting explained how Pant’s presence in the middle order, where he’ll face less challenging conditions as the ball loses its shine, could give him an advantage in accumulating runs:
“Rishabh Pant is another player I see as a potential leading run-scorer. With his form coming into this series, and the fact that he’ll be batting in the middle order, it could really work in his favor. The ball will be softer, and there’s always the possibility of him taking on the attack in those middle overs, which is where he’s shown his brilliance. If he can get going, he’s going to be a real match-winner for India,” the former Australian skipper reckoned.
Top wicket taker in BGT 2024-25: Ponting’s confidence
Moving on to the bowling department, Ponting’s prediction for the leading wicket-taker was clear: Josh Hazlewood. Ponting acknowledged the strength of Australia’s pace attack, including Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc, but emphasized that Hazlewood’s consistent fitness and peak form give him the edge in the upcoming series.
“When you look at the Australian pace attack, I think Josh Hazlewood is the one who is at the peak of his powers right now. Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins might not play every match, but Hazlewood is in superb form and could play all five Tests. His accuracy, control, and ability to maintain pressure on the batsmen will make him the leading wicket-taker for Australia,” Ponting concluded.
Also READ: AUS vs IND: Sunil Gavaskar predicts the winner, scoreline of BGT 2024-25 after India’s whitewash against New Zealand
