Is it too late for wholesale changes? Ponting on Australia’s XI as Ashes selection looms
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Synopsis
With the Ashes series just around the corner, Ricky Ponting shares his insights on Australia's Test XI. He highlights concerns over the top order while offering potential solutions and player placements. Will Australia make the necessary adjustments in time? Discover Ponting's recommendations and thoughts as the countdown to the Ashes begins!
Key Takeaways
- Ricky Ponting expresses concerns over Australia’s top order.
- Time may be running out for significant changes before the Ashes.
- Sam Konstas is a promising player for the opening position.
- Strategic adjustments could be necessary against an aggressive England side.
- The first Ashes Test is set for November 21.
New Delhi, Sep 23 (NationPress) As the Ashes approaches in two months, Ricky Ponting posits that Australia may be out of time for significant alterations in their Test XI, despite lingering worries regarding the top order.
The former captain expressed his views following Australia’s 3-0 triumph in the Caribbean, a series that has reignited questions about the batting order ahead of the 2025/26 clash with England. While the conditions in the West Indies favored bowlers, merely two or three from Australia’s top six appear genuinely settled.
“There’s been a lot of discussion about how vital these first four Sheffield Shield games are, especially for some of our top-order batters, and I agree with that,” Ponting remarked on SEN Tassie. “However, I also feel it might be nearly too late to implement substantial changes to the current lineup as we head into an Ashes series.”
Ponting expressed his confidence in 19-year-old opener Sam Konstas, who scored 109 and 27 not out for Australia A against India A last week in Lucknow. “Konstas has obviously performed well. He secured a century for Australia A in India, which is precisely what he required. I envision our top order with Konstas and Khawaja.”
He also endorsed Cameron Green moving to number three, with Steve Smith at four, Travis Head at five, and Beau Webster completing the top six. “The fact that they’ve positioned Green at number three in the Caribbean suggests they regard him as a long-term number three. Smith will remain at four, Head at five, and I believe Beau should be at number six. I can’t see how they could omit Beau and retain some of the other players. That’s my perspective.”
Nonetheless, Ponting acknowledged the potential for adjustments, especially if Australia aims to challenge an aggressive England side. “Another consideration is if they are concerned about Green’s role – with our current openers likely not being the fastest scorers – they could shift Travis Head up. Head is the second most established player in that lineup, likely after Steve Smith, and typically, players of that age start as number five or six and eventually advance to number three.”
“Thus, they could contemplate this with Travis Head, and considering England's playing style, having someone like Head at number three could exert pressure back on them.”
Australia is set to host England for the first Test of the Ashes at Optus Stadium on November 21.
Point of View
Ricky Ponting's insights provide a seasoned perspective on the challenges Australia faces as the Ashes draw near. Balancing the need for tactical changes with the urgency of time, Ponting's analysis underscores the complexities of selection in high-stakes matches.
NationPress
23/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What concerns does Ponting have about Australia's batting lineup?
Ponting believes that only two or three players in Australia's top six seem genuinely settled, raising concerns about their readiness for the Ashes.
Who does Ponting support for the opening position?
Ponting backs 19-year-old Sam Konstas for the opening slot, especially after his strong performance for Australia A.
What potential changes to the batting order did Ponting suggest?
Ponting suggested moving Cameron Green to number three, Steve Smith to four, and Travis Head to five, while retaining Beau Webster at number six.
When is the first Test of the Ashes series?
The first Test of the Ashes series will take place on November 21 at Optus Stadium.
Does Ponting believe there's still time for changes?
Ponting feels it might be too late for significant changes to the team, emphasizing the importance of the upcoming Sheffield Shield games.
