"Ricky Ponting stands by the embattled all-rounder, advocating for a return to the No.3 position in the Ashes 2025, following some critics' criticism"
In a significant shakeup for Australian cricket, Cameron Green was promoted to No.3 for the first time in Test cricket during the World Test Championship final against South Africa last month. This move comes as the Australian team prepares for the upcoming Ashes series against England, scheduled to start in November.
The headache for Australia is the lack of options beyond their incumbent top three, with Sam Konstas, Usman Khawaja, and Green being the frontrunners for the Ashes. Konstas's returns in the West Indies series were particularly poor, scoring just 50 runs across six innings, but head coach Andrew McDonald has expressed his support for the young player.
Ricky Ponting, a cricket legend and Australia's assistant coach, has suggested that Konstas could be a key player in the opening spot. Despite his early struggles in Test cricket, Ponting believes that patience and support are crucial for Konstas's development.
Ponting also supports Green for the No.3 spot, citing his ability to perform under challenging conditions and silence critics with his recent performances. Green returned 26, 52, 46, and 42 in the next two Tests to finish as the third-highest scorer in a low-scoring West Indies series.
Usman Khawaja, with his stability and experience, is another player Ponting includes in his proposed top order. The captain, Pat Cummins, has also backed Green, stating that he is a "long-term option" for the No.3 spot.
However, Marnus Labuschagne had no real success at the top of the order either. Ponting believes that Green's second innings in the West Indies might have silenced some critics about his long-term suitability as No.3.
The Sheffield Shield, a domestic first-class cricket competition in Australia, begins just before the Ashes. If Konstas gets back onto flatter wickets at the start of the Australian summer and has some Sheffield Shield matches, he might regain confidence and score runs.
Ponting also mentions other talented batsmen like Nathan McSweeney, Matt Renshaw, and Jason Sanghaw, who could also be considered for the squad. McDonald has suggested that Renshaw, a 14-Test old, and the uncapped Sangha could be potential top-order options if they have a good start to the Sheffield Shield.
In conclusion, Ponting believes that Australia needs to stick with Konstas for a period of time and help him work through any deficiencies. The upcoming Ashes series presents an opportunity for Konstas and Green to prove their worth in the top order, with both players receiving the backing of their coach and captain.
International cricket news suggests that Australia faces a challenging top-order selection for the upcoming Ashes series, with Sam Konstas, Usman Khawaja, and Cameron Green being the frontrunners. Despite Konstas's poor returns in the West Indies series, Australian assistant coach Ricky Ponting supports him and believes patience and support are crucial for Konstas's development, while also supporting Green for the No.3 spot due to his recent performances in challenging conditions.
