IND vs AUS: Ricky Ponting Advises Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne to Learn from Virat Kohli
Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has advised Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne to rely on their own game, much like India’s star batsman Virat Kohli, in order to return to form in the remaining four Tests of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
In the first Test match played in Perth, Marnus Labuschagne struggled against the Indian fast bowlers, scoring just two and three runs. Australia suffered a heavy defeat by 295 runs in this match.
Steve Smith also had difficulties against Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Siraj. He failed to score in the first innings but managed to make 17 runs off 60 balls in the second innings.
“Of all the Perth batsmen, Marnus seemed to struggle the most,” Ponting said in the ICC’s review. “It is true that the pitch was difficult and the Indian bowlers were bowling brilliantly, but they need to find a way to adapt.”
Ricky Ponting’s Advice to Labuschagne and Smith
Ponting gave the example of Virat Kohli, who, after being dismissed for five runs in the first innings, bounced back with a solid 100 not out in the second innings. Ponting said, “Virat believed in his game and looked like a different player in the second innings compared to the first. Instead of fighting the opposing team, he focused on his strengths. That’s what Marnus and Smith need to do. They need to find a way and stay determined.”
Find a Way to Put Pressure on the Bowlers
Ponting urged the Australian batsmen to take more risks and put pressure on the Indian bowlers. “You have to take risks and find a way to put pressure on the bowlers,” he said. “Because we all know that bowlers like Bumrah will not give you easy chances to score.”
Despite the resounding defeat in the first Test, Ponting advised Australia to stick with the current team without making too many changes. “I would suggest going with this team,” he said. “You have to believe in champion players, and many of the players on this team are champion players.”
