AUS vs ENG: Ricky Ponting Slams Australia For Succumbing Under Pressure

Former Australian cricketer Ricky Ponting talked out the Pat Cummins-led side’s poor outing on the Day 2 of the ongoing fourth Test of the Ashes 2023 at Old Trafford in Manchester. He said that the visitors looked clearly under pressure.

Australia were ‘Bazballed’ by England on the Day 2 of the ongoing Ashes 2023. After they were bundled out for 317 runs, the hosts came out hard at them with the bat and took them to the cleaners with their aggressive approach.

England opener Zack Crawley in particular toiled with the Australian bowlers as he smashed a magnificent ton and ended with the knock of 189 runs. Apart from him Joe Root and Moeen Ali also smashed a stellar half-centuries and made sure that they take a first innings lead.

Australian bowlers came under a lot of pressure as England crushed them throughout the day and dictated the terms. It’s fair to say that the visitors’ decision to not play spinner has come to haunt them as they have failed to restrict the runs and take wickets regularly.

Australia Has Never Been Under So Much Pressure: Ricky Ponting

Ricky Ponting said that Australia has got caught in the headlights and has found itself in an unfamiliar pressure situation. Elaborating on the same, he explained to Sky Sports:

“I think they felt the pressure [yesterday]. I think they just got caught in the headlights a little bit. I think this team has never been put under that pressure ever. Pat Cummins, as a captain, has never been put under that pressure ever. There is probably an hour of yesterday they would like to have back and be clearer in what they were trying to do with their plans and execution.”

Zack Crawley ended with the knock of 189 runs off 182 balls. He looked all set for the double ton but unfortunately ended up getting a played-on dismissal. He smashed 21 fours and 3 sixes in his innings and batted with a strike rate of 103.85, which is the second-highest in Ashes innings.

Moeen Ali lauded Zack Crawley for his staggering innings and said that it was the best innings that he has seen in Test cricket for a while. Speaking ahead of the Day 3, he explained:

“Crawley’s innings was outstanding and incredible to watch. It felt like it was coming, he is that type of player. It was one of the best days I have had in Test cricket. It was outstanding with the pressure we were under, Ashes on the line. I thought for us to bat the way we did, it was awesome to watch. When we went into bat it was ‘enjoy it and soak in the pressure when we need to.”

England are in the driver’s seat in the ongoing Manchester Test. They have batted extremely well and have taken a lead of over 200 runs.