Ricky Ponting praises Beau Webster, says all-rounder looked ready for WTC Final against South Africa

Former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting showered praise on all-rounder Beau Webster, who scored a crucial knock in Australia’s first innings against South Africa in the World Test Championship final at Lord’s on Wednesday.

Webster top-scored with 72 runs to play a key role in Australia’s total of 212 runs in the first dig. The lanky batter added 79 runs with Steve Smith, who scored a crucial knock of 66 runs for the defending champions.

Webster had the rub of the green on his side in the initial phase of his innings but he was able to capitalize on extra opportunities. Kagiso Rabada had Webster plumbed in front but Temba Bavuma decided not to go for the review.

“You take those 70 odd runs out, that scorecard looks a whole lot different,” Ricky Ponting told ICC Digital after Australia’s first innings.

Webster batted at the top of his game and played a key role in taking Australia past the 200-run mark. Ponting said Webster looked comfortable in his own game.

“I think that says a lot about how comfortable he is in his own game right now and even the comfort he has of being in the Australian middle order.”

“The thing I liked about that today was, although Australia were in a little bit of trouble, wickets were falling (Webster) was able to go out there and maintain his own natural style of play and play the way that he wanted to play and try and be aggressive and try and put some pressure back on the South African bowlers,” said Ponting.

After bundling out Australia for 212, South Africa managed 138 runs in their first innings, conceding a lead of 74 runs. After tea on Day 2, Australia are 43-2, with a lead of 117 runs and thus are on top with Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne batting at the crease.