Disappointed Ricky Ponting Picks Certain Players for 2019 Ashes

A shattered Ricky Ponting has picked a few specific players for the 2019 Ashes, beginning on August 1st in England. Though the Aussie batsmen had all but failed to put runs on board against India, Ponting feels not everyone deserves to be on the team sheet for the Ashes. Looking at the numbers the batters have attained in the current series, the former great thinks only three players could make it to the XI.

Khawaja, Harris among sure-shots

Ricky Ponting, in his latest interview to cricket.au.co, he revealed the three names. Ponting said only Usman Khawaja, Marcus Harris and Marnus Labuschagne would make it to the XI in the UK for sure. Letting know what makes him think so, Punter explained everyone’s inclusion.

For the opener Marcus Harris, Ricky says the way he tackled swing at the Gabba; and the way he played spin at the SCG, the left-hander has to open in England. For Usman Khawaja, he said the out-of-form star batsman, must be there on the list even though his runs aren’t coming. Last but not the least, Ponting backed Marnus to be there for the 2019 Ashes; purely on the way he had played Indian bowlers on day three of the SCG Test.

Alongside them, the ex-captain feels the selectors must persist with Travis Head despite his inconsistency in Tests. However, with Steven Smith and David Warner expected to return to the batting lineup, the Aussies would take confidence heading into 2019 Ashes.

“Harris is (a lock), I’ve been really impressed with the way he’s played,” Ponting told cricket.com.au “Khawaja is a lock to go even though he hasn’t had a great series so far. On the back of what I saw today, I really liked what I got to see from Marnus. His technique looked good. He plays in Brisbane so he handles the swinging ball well which you sort of expect over in England so I’d pick him on the back of what I’ve seen today.”

“Travis Head, our second leading run-scorer in this series but once again just lots of starts without going on. I think they’ll probably stick with him. You’ve got to put some question marks over the others.”

Shaun must score to enter the selection frame – Ponting

Ricky Ponting spoke on Shaun Marsh’s poor form with the bat as well. The veteran batsman, who across his past 19 Tests has averaged only 18, must score daddy runs to get a 2019 Ashes ticket. Meanwhile, what worries him the most is the manner of Marsh’s dismissal, especially in the first innings of the SCG Test.

“He’s averaging 34 in Test cricket and at his best, he’s very good,” the former Australia captain said. “We saw again today he started nice and positively and hit two really good cover drives and then it’s just the ball that doesn’t do anything that gets him out.”

“You’d even sit back and question why he thought he had to play at that delivery. It was a fair way outside off stump and wasn’t like it was going to spin back square and challenge his off stump, so why (did he) need to play at it? The fact that he played a straight one and nicked a straight one is a bit of a concern.”