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

IND vs PAK Champions Trophy 2025: Momentum with India but take Pakistan lightly at your own peril

India vs Pakistan is up next and both these sides have got off to contrasting… Read More

February 21, 2025

India vs Pakistan: More than just a game when the biggest rivalry in cricket takes place

Few sporting events on the planet command as much attention as an India vs Pakistan… Read More

February 21, 2025

India eye semi-final spot, Pakistan survival as rivalry resumes in Dubai

Cricket’s most storied but, many will argue, frankly over-hyped rivalry will renew itself for the… Read More

February 21, 2025

England and Australia seek upturn in ‘cut-throat’ Champions Trophy

The fickle nature of the ICC Champions Trophy will be at the top of the… Read More

February 21, 2025

Australia vs England: A Clash of the Oldest Rivals in the Champions Trophy

When it comes to cricket, few rivalries are as historic and intense as Australia versus… Read More

February 21, 2025

ENG vs AUS Champions Trophy 2025: England and Australia Clash in a Battle of Opportunity Amidst Injuries and Inconsistencies

England take on Australia in what is expected to be a great content to watch… Read More

February 21, 2025