New Delhi, Sep 22 (NationPress) Ricky Ponting, the former captain of Australia, has expressed his support for young opener Sam Konstas to maintain his position at the top of the batting order alongside Usman Khawaja for the crucial Ashes series, which is set to commence on November 21 in Perth.

In the first multi-day match against India A in Lucknow, Konstas delivered a solid performance, scoring 109 runs and an unbeaten 27. A significant topic of discussion surrounding the Australian team has been whether the selectors will continue to back Konstas or opt to bring back Marnus Labuschagne into the top six.

Ponting has clearly stated his preference without mentioning Labuschagne. "There has been much talk regarding the importance of the upcoming four Sheffield Shield games, especially for our top-order batsmen, and I concur. However, it may be too late to implement major changes to the current lineup ahead of an Ashes series. Konstas has performed exceptionally well, making a century for Australia A in India, which was crucial for him."

"I envision our top order comprising Konstas and Khawaja. The decision to move Green to number three during the Caribbean tour indicates they view him as a long-term solution for that position. Steve Smith will remain at four, Head at five, and I believe Beau should be retained at number six. I can't see how they could exclude Beau while including others. That's my perspective," Ponting explained on SEN Radio.

He also suggested that Australia consider positioning vice-captain Travis Head at number three to exert pressure on England during the Ashes, allowing all-rounders Green and Webster to bat at five and six.

"If there are concerns regarding Green's role, and considering our current openers are not the most rapid scorers, they could consider promoting Travis Head. He is the second most established player in that batting order, likely after Steve Smith, and players of his age typically advance from lower batting positions to number three."

"Given England's aggressive style, having someone like Travis Head coming in at No.3 could apply pressure back on bowlers like Jofra Archer and Mark Wood. This is another strategy they might explore if they wish to take the initiative and dominate England during this Ashes series," Ponting added.

Ponting also pointed out Ollie Pope, England’s number three batsman, as a significant uncertainty for the team led by Ben Stokes, expressing worry about the captain's fitness as he recovers from a right shoulder injury sustained during the drawn fourth Test against India at Manchester in July.

"The contrast between the two squads is that you can likely predict England's team right now, while Australia's remains uncertain. The only weakness in their lineup is Ollie Pope at No.3. They could also consider Jacob Bethell, who has previously batted at three for them."

"Ben Stokes is crucial for me; if he is fit and bowling as he did against India, their entire team appears quite different. He is arguably their top bowler, having regained his pace and fitness. He has committed to sobriety and is focused on being a long-term all-rounder for England. If Stokes, Wood, and Archer are all fit, they will have a potent attack that could indeed create some tense moments for the Australians," he concluded.