Cricket

Ricky Ponting backs Steve Smith to make big runs in Champions Trophy

Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting has backed Steve Smith to get the big runs in the Champions Trophy. Ponting wants Australia to promote Steve Smith in the batting order and back him at the top of the order. While Travis Head is expected to open the innings for Australia, the second opener could be either Matt Short or Jake Fraser-McGurk.

Smith will lead Australia in the Champions Trophy in the absence of Pat Cummins and it would be interesting to note his batting position. The veteran has all the experience under his belt and he has scored 5703 runs in 167 ODI matches at an average of 43.2.

“Do they think about opening the batting with Steve Smith, which is something that they could actually think about as well, I think, because of how well he’s done in white ball cricket when he has opened the batting,” Ponting said on the ICC Review.

“(Smith) could be someone that could be an anchor through this Champions Trophy at the top of the order. And you know that with the form that he’s in, he’s going to make big runs,” he added.

On the other hand, Ponting reckons Jake Fraser-McGurk is making it difficult it for himself to get a place in the playing XI. The youngster has scored 98 runs in seven ODIs at an average of 14.

“Yeah, he’s making it harder and harder (for selectors to stick with Fraser-McGurk). He’s not had the greatest of summers. I mean, there’s just so much talent there. There’s so much ability and skill and talent that we haven’t sort of seen consistently enough just yet. And that’s one of the big calls (selectors) are going to have to make now as well,” Ponting said.

Australia will begin their Champions Trophy campaign against arch-rivals England at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore on Saturday.

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

Chelsea vs. Liverpool Preview

Chelsea and Liverpool clash in what promises to be an entertaining Premier League game on… Read More

October 1, 2025

Arsenal vs. West Ham United Preview

Arsenal clashes with West Ham United in what promises to be a very entertaining game… Read More

October 1, 2025

Will Luka Doncic Influence LeBron James’ Future?

After a quiet summer, LeBron James spoke to the press at nearly 41 years old… Read More

October 1, 2025

AFC Bournemouth vs. Fulham Preview

AFC Bournemouth clashes with Fulham in what promises to be a very entertaining game on… Read More

October 1, 2025

Aakash Chopra says West Indies series will be crucial for Devdutt Padikkal, Sai Sudharsan and Dhruv Jurel

Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra reckons the Test series against the West Indies will… Read More

October 1, 2025

Aakash Chopra urges India to not prepare rank turners for West Indies Tests

Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra urged India to not prepare rank turners in two… Read More

October 1, 2025