Title: I’d Send Pant If India Lose Another Wicket in Manchester: Ponting
The ongoing fourth Test match between India and England at the Old Trafford in Manchester has been a thrilling encounter, with both teams fighting hard to secure a win. As the match enters its fifth day, the situation remains tense, with India struggling to build a substantial lead. In a recent development, former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has shared his thoughts on India’s team selection, stating that he would send Rishabh Pant out to bat if either Ravindra Jadeja or Washington Sundar gets out.
Ponting’s comments came after India’s top-order batsmen failed to capitalize on the decent start provided by Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul. With the wickets of Rohit and Rahul, India’s batting lineup has been exposed, and the team is under pressure to rebuild the innings. In such a scenario, Ponting believes that Pant’s aggressive style could be the key to stabilizing the innings.
“He’s got an injury that sounds like he is not going to be playing next week anyway,” Ponting said, referring to Pant’s knee injury. “He’s better equipped against the newer ball, which is going to be the case if Jadeja or Washington get out. He’s got the ability to play the big shots and get the scoreboard moving.”
Ponting’s suggestion might raise a few eyebrows, as Pant has been struggling with his form and fitness throughout the series. His injury has been a concern for the Indian team, and there have been doubts about his ability to perform at his best. However, Ponting’s assessment of Pant’s strengths is spot on. The young wicket-keeper batsman has shown his ability to play aggressive cricket, particularly against the newer ball.
Pant’s record against England is also impressive, with three half-centuries in his five innings against the English team. His ability to play the big shots and get the scoreboard moving could be exactly what India needs to get back on track in this match. Moreover, Ponting’s suggestion could also be seen as a way to utilize Pant’s skills to the fullest, given his limitations with regard to his fitness.
Ponting’s comments have also sparked a debate about India’s team selection and strategy. With Pant’s injury, the team has been forced to field a slightly weakened batting lineup, which has been exposed in the current match. However, Ponting’s suggestion to send Pant out to bat could also be seen as a way to strengthen the batting lineup, at least in the short term.
The debate about Pant’s inclusion in the team has been ongoing for some time, with many experts questioning his fitness and form. However, Ponting’s assessment of Pant’s strengths and abilities could be a wake-up call for the Indian team. If Pant is able to recover from his injury and perform well, it could be a major boost for the team, particularly in the context of this match.
In conclusion, Ponting’s suggestion to send Pant out to bat if India lose another wicket in Manchester is an interesting one. While Pant’s injury and form have been a concern, his aggressive style and ability to play the big shots could be exactly what India needs to get back on track. The debate about Pant’s inclusion in the team is ongoing, but Ponting’s assessment of his strengths and abilities is a reminder of the importance of utilizing the player’s skills to the fullest.
