Ashes 2021-22: Can't See Why England Left Stuart Broad And James Anderson Out: Ricky Ponting

Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting questioned England for not playing either of their senior pacers James Anderson or Stuart Broad in the first Ashes Test in Brisbane.

Australia defeated England by nine wickets in the first Test, which was wrapped within four days at the Gabba.

Australia were dominant on the first two days. First, they bundled up England for 147 with Cummins, leading the team in his first game, registered figures of 5/38.

On Day 2, riding on a breathtaking 100th century by Travis Head (152) with some great batting by David Warner (94) and Marnus Labushagne (74), Australia achieved a huge lead of 278.

England’s bowling attack in Brisbane was composed of Ollie Robinson, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood and Jack Leach. Barring Robinson, none of the English bowlers were successful in controlling the runs.

England are only going to play one of Stuart Broad or James Anderson in Adelaide: Ricky Ponting

Ponting said that at least one of Broad and Anderson should have played in the first Test and was surprised to see both the senior bowlers on bench.

“I can’t see why they would have left them (Broad and Anderson) out if they weren’t just getting them prepped and ready for Adelaide,” Ponting was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au.

“I’m still staggered to this point now. If Stuart Broad and James Anderson are not better bowlers in Australia than Chris Woakes, then I’m not here. One of those two had to play. It might be that they’re only going to play one of Broad or Anderson in Adelaide. A lot of it might just depend on how Stokes pulls up between now and the start of the Adelaide game,” he added.

Ricky Ponting feels Australia will get better bowling conditions in Adelaide

The second Test will be a Day-Night affair with the pink ball. In the 2017/18 Ashes series, Australia were victorious by 120 runs.

Australia had bowled out England for 227 & 233 as Mitchell Starc returned with 5/88 in the second innings to keep England batters at bay. Ponting feels the hosts will get some better bowling conditions in Adelaide than they had in Brisbane.

“The conditions are only going to get better for Australia. Those conditions in Brisbane were very English-like. There was more pace and bounce but as far as their bowling is concerned, they’re probably not going to get that much movement anywhere else for the entire series,” Ponting mentioned.

“We saw them bowl really well on the last tour in Adelaide under lights where everything just fell perfectly into place – Australia had to bat for a session, the lights were on, brand new ball, clear night. We’ve also been to Adelaide at other times when the pink ball has done nothing, whether it’s a new ball or not. If they don’t win in Adelaide then there could be shades of 06-07,” he added.

The second Ashes Test between Australia and England will start on December 16 at the Adelaide Oval.

Also Read: Ashes 2021-22: Ricky Ponting Feels Usman Khawaja Could Replace Injured David Warner For Adelaide Test