Ricky Ponting excited to have Tim David in Australia's T20 World Cup squad

Tim David / Source: Twitter

Ricky Ponting, hailed as one of the sharpest cricket minds, believes Singapore all-rounder Tim David can help Australia win the T20I World Cup after being selected for the national side for the forthcoming marquee event.

David, a jet-setter in the franchise cricket, has impressed one and all with his consistent individual performances in the shortest format of the game while playing for various teams across the world. 

Backing his statement of roping in Tim David in the Australia team for the T20I World Cup 2022, Ponting in 'The ICC Review' said:

“He has improved over the last couple of years, I think he's the sort of player that could actually win the Australian team a World Cup in that finishing sort of role.”  

From the Pakistan Super League to Australia's Big Bash to the latest edition of the Indian Premier League, the Singapore all-rounder has made a name for himself as one of the most destructive power-hitters.

“Two years ago he was struggling to get a game in the BBL. He was a fringe player at the Perth Scorchers, then moved down to Hobart Hurricanes. He's done really well down there.

“He's done well in the IPL games he played last season, he's done well in England – and every other tournament he's played around the world.

“He's probably in the career-best form right now, and when you've got guys that are at the peak of their powers, I think you just have to play them.” 

What value does Tim David add to the team? 

Ponting further added that Tim David's inclusion in the team will bolster the middle order of the Australian side that already consists of the world-class power hitters Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis. 

“If you ended up with, let's say, Maxwell, Stoinis, Wade, and David in that middle order there is a really formidable late-order striking team that no bowling team would want to play against.”  

Apart from scoring quick runs and providing a proper finish for his teams, David can also chip in with a couple of vital overs of off-spin when required and thus making him a proper three-dimensional player who adds great value to the team. 

“He's probably 6’2, maybe touching 100 kilograms – a big, strong guy that can hit the ball as clean and as hard as anyone in the world. He’s a good fielder and can bowl some part-time off-spin as well if required.

“He almost becomes a three-dimensional type player, which makes him even more appealing for the World Cup.”

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