Ashes 2023: "It Is A..." Ricky Ponting, Mark Butcher Share Verdict On Australia Playing No Spinner At Manchester

Former Australian cricketer Ricky Ponting talked about the team playing no spinner in the ongoing fourth Test of the Ashes 2023 at Old Trafford in Manchester. He said that it’s a big decision but the pitch suggests that it won’t turn much.

The 4th Test of the ongoing Ashes 2023 is taking place currently. The series stands at 2-1 with Australia in the lead. Coming into the game both teams announced their playing XI for the game one day ahead and they had different reactions.

Australia surprised many with their playing 11 in the ongoing Manchester Test. They went with two all-rounders in Cameron Green and Mitchell Marsh, leaving out Todd Murphy. Many have lashed out at them for their decision and say that decision may cost them as the game progresses.

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It was expected that Cameron Green would return back to the mix after missing the last game due to injury. But nobody thought that Australia would drop a spinner to adjust the all-rounder in the team for the game which is a virtual decider.

Ricky Ponting said that although it’s a big decision but Australia needs to play with the intention of winning. With no Todd Murphy in the 11, he suggested the side to not play defensive.

Speaking to Sky Sports, he explained: “It is a big decision (to not play a spinner) but looking at the wicket it doesn’t look like it will turn much. There’s a nice grass covering and the surface underneath is hard. It is likely to play in a similar way to the one in Headingley last week earlier in the game with overhead conditions around.”

“For Australia, they have to play this Test match with the intention to win and not just draw, and that’s how I think they have picked their eleven, giving them the best chance to win. Don’t get defensive or else you’re playing right into England’s hands.”

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Ashes 2023: Australia not playing a spinner just blows my mind – Mark Butcher

Apart from Ricky Ponting, former England cricketer Mark Butcher didn’t look amazed by the decision and said that it has blown his mind away. He highlighted that they were a better-balanced side in the first two games. Speaking about the same, he elaborated:

“I think England are a better-balanced side in this Test and at Headingley than the one in the first two Tests. Australia not playing a spinner just blows my mind. It seems like a defensive move. You have a long-range forecast which could change and they don’t have the ability then to change things up if things don’t work out for the seamers.”

Coming to the game, England won the toss and opted to field first. They currently are on the top as they have taken four quick wickets. It remains to be seen if the decision to leave out the spinner will backfire on Australia or not.

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