Ricky Ponting reacts to Steve Smith's recent struggles in Test cricket

Steve Smith has not been at his best for Australia

Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting has opened up about Steve Smith's mediocre form in Test cricket over the last few years. He has scored just centuries since the 2019 Ashes series against England. 

Australia need Smith to fire them to the WTC final

Smith is widely regarded as one of the best Test players of his generation but he has failed to find his rhythm over the last few years. 

Despite the fact that he has 28 Test tons to his name, Ponting believes (via News18) that Smith has a lot to improve on in terms of consistency. 

Australia will be hoping to make it to their maiden WTC final and Smith's form will be vital to their quest. They are currently second in the standings, behind South Africa.

The Aussies will take on India in a vital Test series early next year, which could decide the fate of both teams as they aim to reach the finale of the Test Championships. 

What Ricky Ponting had to say about Smith's indifferent form?

“The best way to describe it is, it (Smith’s form) has been indifferent. For four or five years, he has been so incredibly consistent, making consistently high scores, making four, five or six hundreds in a Test match calendar year and he hasn’t been able to do that in the last couple of years," Ponting said on ‘The ICC Review’.

Smith's standing in Test cricket

The recent dip in form has resulted in Smith dropping down to fourth in the ICC Test Batsmen Rankings. 

The Australian batter is 75 points behind England star Joe Root, who sits comfortably on top of the standings on the back of his impressive performances against New Zealand and India. 

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