Steve Smith or Jake Fraser-McGurk? Ricky Ponting names Travis Head's opening partner for CT 2025

Legendary Australia captain Ricky Ponting has suggested a new batting spot for the team's captain Steve Smith in the upcoming Champions Trophy. Ponting wants Steve Smith to open the batting alongside Travis Head and play the role of an anchor.

Australia also have the option to open the batting with the explosive young opener Jake Fraser-McGurk. However, Ponting wants Smith to open the batting alongside Head and play the role of an anchor.

Smith is currently expected to bat at No. 3 or 4 in Australia's batting order. He has played at this batting position for the most part of his ODI career. He will be key to Australia's chances as he can bind the batting order together with his ability to play a long innings.

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Ricky Ponting on Jake Fraser-McGurk

While speaking in the recent episode of The ICC Review, Ricky Ponting spoke about the dilemma of Australia's opening pair. Ponting feels that Fraser-McGurk remains a tempting option to partner Travis Head at the top despite not being in great form this season.

“Yeah, he's making it harder and harder (for selectors to stick with Jake Fraser-McGurk). He's not had the greatest of summers. I mean, there's just so much talent there,” Ponting said.

“There's so much ability and skill and talent that we haven't sort of seen consistently enough just yet. And that's one of the big calls (selectors) are going to have to make now as well," he added.

Ponting claimed that Jake Fraser-McGurk has the ability to win big tournaments through his destructive abilities with the bat. But it remains to be seen whether he gets the chance to be in the Playing XI or not.

Ricky Ponting's new role for Steve Smith

While speaking further in the video, Ricky Ponting threw Steve Smith's name to open the batting for Australia alongside Travis Head. The legendary Australia skipper feels that Smith can play the role of an anchor which will allow Head to play his natural game.

“Do they think about opening the batting with Steve Smith, which is something that they could actually think about as well, I think, because of how well he's done in white ball cricket when he has opened the batting," Ponting reckoned.

“(Steve Smith) could be someone that could be an anchor through this Champions Trophy at the top of the order. And you know that with the form that he's in, he's going to make big runs," the former Australia batter added.

Steve Smith to lead Australia

Steve Smith will lead Australia in the Champions Trophy 2025 in the absence of the regular captain Pat Cummins, who was ruled out due to an ankle injury.

Not only Cummins, but Australia will also be without their first-choice fast bowling attack for this tournament. All of their first-choice pacers - Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Pat Cummins - are unavailable for the tournament due to various reasons.

Australia go into the Champions Trophy with a weakened bowling attack and will rely on their fast bowlers to carry them through. They will also expect the experienced legspinner Adam Zampa to raise his game on pitches suited for spin.