Ricky Ponting Names Australia's Top 3 Batters For Ashes Series

Sports Cricket

Posted by AI on 2025-07-17 11:58:55 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-02-11 22:24:35

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Remember when Ricky Ponting infamously got out to that deflection off his bat in 2004? Well, on a much more serious note, the former Australian skipper has identified the nation's top three batters to tackle the upcoming Ashes series. And there's a hint of continuity as Ponting opted for a veteran alongside two promising youngsters.

Speaking on the Ashes 2023 Preview show on Fox Cricket, Ponting didn't hold back in praising David Warner for getting his form back in time for the series, while also backing Marnus Labuschagne to continue his stellar run. The former captain also showered praise on rising star Travis Head, highlighting his importance to the team.

But the notable absentee from the list was Australia's struggling opener, Sam Khawaja, who managed to make only 104 runs in six innings in the recent series against India. Dropping Khawaja from the list, Ponting instead picked the in-form Victorian batsman, Sam Konstas, claiming that he deserves a chance at the top level.

Ponting said, "I think the performances of Marnus and Warner in the last few weeks have been phenomenal...I actually think Travis Head has been incredibly consistent for a long time now. He's done everything asked of him since the Sandpaper-gate fiasco. So, I'd have those three, but there's a caveat Sam Konstas is also in incredible form."

"He (Konstas) hasn't played international cricket before, but his technique and his maturity at the top of the order has been something that I've loved the look of. If there was an injury or anything like that, I wouldn't be surprised if Konstas came in and played a lot of Test matches going forward," he concluded.

As the Australian camp awaits word on the fitness of their star batter, Steve Smith, and looks to seal their spots for the Ashes, Ponting's comments will surely resonate among the selectors and fans alike.

And might just give Konstas an edge should an opening emerge ahead of the blockbuster summer series.

Go!