Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting has shared an interesting piece of advice with the Australian skipper Pat Cummins ahead of the all-important 4th day play in the second test of the high-octane Ashes Series. The visitors are well on top at the end of Day 3, with them comfortably placed on the Second test.
Australia has a lead of 221 runs in the 2nd innings and they will look to bat on Day 4 for posting a big total for England to chase down on the final day. Usman Khawaja and Steve Smith will look to start the innings cautiously on Day 4, as the first session will have some assistance for the England team.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Ricky Ponting wants the Australian team to post a massive total for England to chase down the total on the final day, as the England side is not going to be happy with a draw, as they are going try to win the match despite of the results and added that Pat Cummins-led side should try to post big total to defend, as England can come hard to try to win the game.
“Everything we hear from England is, that they are not going to be happy with a draw. They’re going to do everything to try and win the game. Well, If I’m Australia, I’m batting as long as I can and setting the most ridiculous total. They actually said they will try to win. I will make it as unachievable as possible, let them go as hard as they can,” Ricky Ponting said.
Australia has a deep batting lineup as they have got in form Travis Head and Alex Carey to come in next alongside Cameron Green, as they will look to post a big total to defend the target on the final day. Pat Cummins-led side will have a huge opportunity to take a 2-0 lead in the series if they bowl well on the final day to bowl England.
His Number So Far In The Series Are Actually Okay – Ricky Ponting On Ollie Robinson
Ricky Ponting feels that every expert involved in the series is talking about Ollie Robinson’s behaviour on and off the field as his below-par performance going under noticed by them and added that his numbers in the series are not that encouraging for the English team.
“It’s something that everyone’s enjoyed talking about, and some of the ex-players have enjoyed hopping in and having a bit of a crack, but at the end of the day he’s a skilled bowler and, as you say, his numbers so far in the series are actually okay,” Ricky Ponting added.
The England seamer has picked up eight wickets in the series so far, he has cleaned the Australian lower middle order in the 2nd game, as he could not trouble the dangerous David Warner, Steve Smith, and Travis Head in the ongoing Lord’s test.