Ricky Ponting Labels Pakistan Bowling Attack As 'Terrible'

Pakistan traditionally have been known for producing some of the greatest fast bowlers in the game. The likes of Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Shoaib Akhtar, Aaqib Javed used to send shivers down the batsmen’s spines. Even in the current era, their fast bowling stocks have been on the rise. Sadly, given their current state of affairs, former Australian captain Ricky Ponting has come down hard on their bowling unit.

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Australian cricket team slammed 580 in their first innings of the first Test, lead by Marnus Labuschagne’s 185 and David Warner’s 154. In the ongoing Test at the Adelaide Oval, David Warner yet again made life miserable for the Pakistan bowlers as he mustered his maiden triple ton before the home side declared at 589 for the loss of three wickets. Pakistan’s new-ball bowlers in Mohammad Abbas and Shaheen Afridi found control with the pink cherry; however, the other bowlers were unable to maintain the pressure from the other hand.

Australia’s leading run-scorer in both the forms of cricket has slammed the tourists’ bowling attack naming it as “terrible”. Ponting opined that he hasn’t seen a more lacklustre bowling attack down under. The flamboyant right-hander was further surprised to see Muhammad Musa Khan playing instead of the 16-year old Naseem Shah, who showed plenty of potential in the first Test. The 44-year old slammed the selection of the 19-year old Musa Khan saying he doesn’t look like a Test match bowler since he conceded 114 from 20 overs, taking no wickets.

“I’m not sure I have seen a worse bowling attack on our shores in a long time. I still can’t understand why the 16-year-old hasn’t played this game, Naseem. And they go with another guy (Musa) who has played seven first-class games and just doesn’t look to be a Test match bowler.” Ricky Ponting said as quoted by foxsports.com.au.

Ricky Ponting believes the visitors bowling unit haven’t got enough firepower:

It is no secret that in the Australian conditions, a team cannot go with an inexperienced bowling attack. Furthermore, Pakistan batsmen have failed to stand up to the pace attack of the hosts. Similarly, the Tasmanian stated that their bowling attack lacks teeth to compete against an Australian batting line-up who are ruthless in home conditions. And in the lack of it, they have caught themselves in a very unpleasant situation.

“And when you haven’t got much cattle against a batting line-up as hungry as ours, and in our conditions, and a team that is really trying to prove themselves back on the world stage, then I think Pakistan have just been caught in a perfect storm.” Ponting added further.

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