Ricky Ponting Predicts Australia to Edge Out India 3-1 in Border-Gavaskar Trophy

As the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia approaches, former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has boldly predicted a 3-1 series victory for Australia. Ponting, who initially made this prediction in August, has doubled down on it after witnessing India’s recent struggles against New Zealand and the injury setback to key pacer Mohammed Shami.

Speaking on The ICC Review, Ponting highlighted the challenges India will face in Australia, particularly in their bowling department without Shami. “Shami leaves such a big hole in that bowling group. Taking 20 wickets in a Test match for India is going to be the biggest challenge,” Ponting remarked, adding that India’s batting lineup should perform well, but their bowling may struggle without Shami's experience.

While Ponting believes India could potentially secure a win in one of the five Tests, he sees Australia as the more settled and experienced side. "I think India will win a Test match somewhere, but Australia are a very hard team to beat at home. So I’ll stick with the 3-1," he stated.

Regarding individual performances, Ponting named Steve Smith and Rishabh Pant as potential top scorers. He noted that Smith’s recent move back to No.4 could improve his chances, as he aims to cement himself in that position after a brief, less successful stint as an opener. Ponting also mentioned Pant’s ability to thrive in the middle order, where he may benefit from a softened ball.

For the bowlers, Ponting backed Josh Hazlewood as the leading wicket-taker. Despite Australia’s formidable pace lineup with Hazlewood, Pat Cummins, and Mitchell Starc, Ponting believes Hazlewood, currently at his peak, is likely to play consistently across all five Tests.

The Border-Gavaskar series, beginning on November 22, is set to impact the ICC World Test Championship standings significantly, with both India and Australia currently leading the table.