Ricky Ponting outlines Australia’s key selection dilemmas ahead of Ashes series
New Delhi: Former Australian captain and batting great Ricky Ponting has shed light on the challenging selection decisions facing Australia ahead of the upcoming Ashes series, while also hinting at what England must do to remain competitive.
The cricketing world’s attention will turn to Australia from November 21, when the much-anticipated five-match Ashes series begins. The contest between the arch-rivals will also have significant implications for the ongoing ICC World Test Championship cycle, according to the ICC.
Australia will enter the series as firm favourites, having not lost a home Ashes since 2011 and holding onto the urn since 2018. However, England will arrive with renewed belief after managing to draw the most recent series at home in 2023.
One of the major pre-series talking points for Australia has been the composition of their top order—specifically, whether young opener Sam Konstas will retain his spot despite an inconsistent start to his international career.
Ponting believes the biggest selection dilemma lies in deciding between backing Konstas or recalling Marnus Labuschagne to open alongside Usman Khawaja.
“We’re in a really interesting phase right now with all the discussion around the first Test selections,” Ponting said. “Cricket Australia planned this well by scheduling four Sheffield Shield games before the first Test. Two have been played, and while some players have stood out, others haven’t quite taken their opportunities.”
Ponting noted that Konstas, who featured in the recent series against the West Indies, has yet to make a strong statement in domestic cricket. Meanwhile, Labuschagne appears to be rediscovering his form.
“Marnus, at his best, walks into Australia’s Test team every day of the week,” Ponting said. “He’s started to find his rhythm again at the state level—he’s made four hundreds in his last six innings, which shows he’s getting back to his best.”
Ponting also discussed the potential inclusion of all-rounders Cameron Green and Beau Webster, suggesting both could play crucial roles if fit.
“Cameron Green has pulled out of the ODI series against India due to some side stiffness. He hasn’t bowled for a while, and that will affect how Australia shapes their lineup for the first Test,” Ponting explained.
“If Green is fully fit to bowl in Perth, the selectors might alter the batting order. But if not, they may need someone like Webster at No. 6. Even if Green is available, I think Webster deserves to stay in the team—he’s shown real value with both bat and ball.”
Ultimately, Ponting said the final call will depend on form and balance.
“It’ll come down to whether they want to back Konstas’ potential at the start of a big series or reward Marnus’ weight of runs. If Labuschagne gets in, I think it’ll be as an opener,” he concluded.
