Ricky Ponting Backs Steve Smith, David Warner to Return to Squad After Serving Ban

Australia’s assistant coach Ricky Ponting has backed Steven Smith and David Warner to return to the squad after completing their ban. Both players ban will be over during the limited overs series against Pakistan. Thus, Ponting who has been handed over the reins of the batting department wants both the talisman players to be back into the team as soon as their ban is lifted.

There is no iota of doubt that Steven Smith and David Warner are going to hold the key for Australia. They are Australia’s best two batsmen and their presence is going to be like gold. Both of them have experience under their belt and they are going to be instrumental in Australia’s success.

Punter backs Smith and Warner.

However, both linchpin’s return could be hampered by their respective elbow injury. Warner is expected to return soon but there is a question mark over Smith’s return.

“I’ve spoken to both of them quite a bit during their suspensions,” Ponting told Triple M’s Rush Hour.

“Over the last couple of weeks, they’ve both had quite similar elbow surgeries that’s sort of going to hold them back a bit. Steve’s ended up being a little bit worse than Davey’s was.

“I said the other day I’m looking forward to having those guys back in the side. There’s still got to be a decision made as to whether they go straight back into the team or not.

“Reading the tea leaves, not only do we need those level of players back in our side, but the experience as well in our one day side and Test team.

Meanwhile, Ricky Ponting had recently said India and England are going to be red hot favorites for the quadrennial event in England and Wales. However, Punter believes Australia is a side to watch out for when David Warner and Steven Smith will return to the squad.

Australia can go all the way.

“India and England are probably the two standout teams right now but if you add Warner and Smith back into that line-up, I think that team looks as strong as any,” Ponting told reporters in Melbourne.

Australia’s ODI record isn’t impressive in the recent past. Thus, Warner and Smith will like to turn the tables after they come back into the squad. Consequently, it would be a mistake to rule out a side like Australia who has been World Champions on five occasions.

On the other hand, Ricky has all the experience under his belt. Ponting had led Australia to two World Cup triumphs and he knows the formula to win the big matches in the big events. Hence, Ponting’s experience is going to be vital for Australia’s success in the ODI showpiece.