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Ricky Ponting Backs Young Opener Sam Konstas; Picks Australia's Top 3 For Ashes

Akshita Patel

Ricky Ponting makes big prediction on Australia's Ashes plan [Source: @mufaddal_vohra, @heraldsunsport/X.com]Ricky Ponting makes big prediction on Australia's Ashes plan [Source: @mufaddal_vohra, @heraldsunsport/X.com]

Australian cricket legend Ricky Ponting has shared his views on who should open the batting for Australia in the upcoming Ashes series against England. After watching Australia’s recent 3-0 Test series win in the West Indies, Ponting believes the top order for the first Ashes Test is likely to remain unchanged.

Since David Warner quit Test cricket and Marnus Labuschagne’s form took a hit, Australia’s top order has been in shambles for a while. Steven Smith’s short experiment as an opener also didn’t last long, as he returned to his favoured no. 4 after a lean patch.

Ricky Ponting Makes Big Prediction On Australia’s Top Order

Ahead of the Ashes series against England scheduled in November this year, former Australian captain Ricky Ponting believes the current top 3 should retain their spots for the Ashes.

Speaking on The ICC Review, Ponting named Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, and Cameron Green as his picks for the top three spots. 

“The (batters) that they're talking about the last couple of weeks in particular, have been (Sam) Konstas and (Usman) Khawaja, and then there was some talk about Cameron Green, if he was a long term No.3 three or not. “(Green’s) second innings in the West Indies (in the last Test) might have just put some of that to bed. As tough as those conditions were to bat for as long as he did in trying conditions he might have silenced a few of those critics," he said.

While Australia’s bowlers impressed in the West Indies, the batters struggled, which has raised questions about the lineup. However, Ponting feels it's too soon to make big changes.

“I think with where they're at, I think the Ashes line-up is going to be like it is right now. I think that's what they're going to be starting with, and you keep your fingers crossed and hope that those guys can get the job done at the start," Ponting added.

Ponting Suggests Australia To Back Sam Konstas

Interestingly, the ex-captain backed 19-year-old opener Sam Konstas, who has had a tough start to his Test career. Despite a solid debut against India last year, Konstas averages just 16.30 in his first 10 Test innings. 

“Sam's always going to have, like every batter that is finding their way at international level, people sit back and try and pick holes in your technique when you're trying to find your own way at international level. But if I was him, I'd be trying to do that and I'd be keeping the preparation side and practice side as simple as possible," he concluded.

Ponting pointed out that Konstas was originally rested from the Sri Lanka tour to protect him, but the Caribbean pitches turned out to be much tougher than expected. He advised Konstas to ignore outside noise and focus on advice from one or two trusted people.