Ponting predicts Australia’s next skipper: Former Australia skipper Ricky Ponting has shared his insights on the potential participation of Steve Smith in the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
Also, Ponting has made his predictions regarding who might assume the role of Australia’s captain in the T20 format for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2024.
Although Steve Smith’s involvement in T20Is for Australia has been limited, only four matches played since the last T20 World Cup in 2022, which was held in Australia.
In these four matches, Smith played the role as an opener and managed to score just one score exceeding 20. As Australian team is required to finalize a 15-player roster prior to the T20 World Cup commencing on 1st June 2024 in the USA and the Caribbean.
It seems probable that David Warner and Travis Head will continue their opening partnership at the top of Australia’s batting order. Furthermore, Mitch Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, and Tim David are expected to secure places in a formidable top-six position. Ponting said, Not Cummins or Smith, Marsh will lead Aus in T20 WC.
The ICC Hall of Famer Ricky Ponting, expressed his belief that Smith’s wealth of experience could be a valuable asset for the defending champions, and he anticipates that Smith securing a spot in their squad for the upcoming T20 tournament.
Ponting predicts Australia’s next skipper
“You love having guys like him around because of the experience and the calming influence that you can have around a team during a World Cup,” Ponting said of Smith.
“But the other thing you always have to be mindful of is what role can he play.”
“So I would think if Steve Smith does find his way into the squad, I don’t think he will be in the starting XI.”
“And I think that’s probably been shown the last couple of weeks with the series they just played in New Zealand. I think he opened the batting in a couple of those games, but not all of those games and they’re sort of spreading the load around a little bit trying to find their right combination, but would I have him in the squad?”
“I think I’d have him in the squad, but he wouldn’t be in my starting XI.”
The captaincy position remains open after Aaron Finch retired from the role in 2022. Ponting believes that Mitch Marsh is the ideal candidate for the T20 captain and forecasts that he may be officially appointed as Australia’s new T20I captain on a permanent basis.
Mitch Marsh has been given opportunities to lead the team in recent series against the West Indies and New Zealand.
“I think he will (be T20I captain) and I think he deserves it as well as he has matured a lot as a player.”
“He’s certainly a leader of men, which hasn’t only been just the last few months. I remember, five or six years ago when Justin Langer took over as the coach of the Australian team, he actually named Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head as joint vice-captains of the Test team.’’
“So leadership has always been in the back of the selectors’ minds as far as Mitchell Marsh is concerned.’’
“I think you want continuity around that role. Pat’s not going to play potentially all those T20 games throughout the season leading into a World Cup. The fast bowlers are probably always going to be rotated more than what the top-order batsmen are. So I think for continuity purposes and the fact that Mitchel’s record when he’s captain is very good, I think he will be the captain going forward.”
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