Steve Smith not the right man? Ricky Ponting questions star batter's opening role for BGT 2024-25

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 between India and Australia is still three months away, but the excitement and buzz about the much-hyped Test series has already begun with the legendary cricketer-turned-coach Ricky Ponting sharing his thoughts on the major issue in the hosts' line-up.

Notably, the Australian cricket team and the Indian cricket team will battle it out in the five-match Test series in November and December on Australian soil. This Border-Gavaskar Trophy will be really important for both teams, keeping in mind the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 final.

Ricky Ponting reveals key concerns for Australia's line-up for Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25

Well, speaking on the latest episode of The ICC Review, Ricky Ponting said that he is not expecting any drastic shake-ups in Australia’s squad selection for the much-awaited Test series against India at home. However, the former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting has delivered a bold statement on Steve Smith’s role as an opener for the side in Test cricket.

Steve Smith was promoted as an opener after David Warner’s retirement from international cricket, creating an opportunity for star all-rounder Cameron Green to take his preferred position at No. 4 in Australia’s Test line-up. However, Ricky Ponting predicted that Steve Smith will not continue as an opener in the upcoming Test series against India.

Despite the stability expected in the Australian squad, the legendary batter has pointed out that the most significant uncertainty revolves around whether Steve Smith is the ideal choice for the opening slot. With the team’s configuration designed to accommodate Green, the decision on Smith’s role could influence the final lineup for the upcoming Border Gavaskar Trophy.

However, Ricky Ponting remains uncertain whether this setup will continue or if changes will be made based on Smith’s performance and suitability in the opener role, but he hinted that Australia might consider alternative options before the high-stakes Test series against with minimal surprises.

If Steve Smith's the right man to be opening the batting in Tests: Ricky Ponting

Ricky Ponting said on the ICC Review: “I think Australia will pretty much pick itself. Probably the only one question there might be with Australia again is if Steve Smith's the right man to be opening the batting. That would be the only query that I can see there.”

Ponting further noted, “But that was all about obviously bringing Cameron Green back into the side. So, I'll rephrase it, not whether Smith's the right man to open the batting but whether he thinks it's the right spot for him. Because I think if he doesn't think it's the right spot, then they'll make a change and get someone else back up there.”

Notably, India has been dominant in recent years, winning the last two Test series in Australia and holding the Border-Gavaskar Trophy since their 4-1 series victory at home in March 2017.

However, Ponting believes the upcoming five-match Test series could swing in favor of the hosts. Given the possibility of a draw and potential bad weather, Ponting predicted a 3-1 Test series win for Australia against India.