Sydney, Nov 26 : , Ricky Ponting, Australian cricket legend, has endorsed Pat Cummins’ appointment to captain the Test side.He also said that Steve Smith, batting stalwart, could be a game-changer ahead of the Ashes. Smith had been the leader of Australia before the ball-tampering scandal.In 2018, during the South Africa series, he, his deputy David Warner and team-mate Cameron Bancroft were forced to resign.
Smith was also banned from cricket for varying periods of one year.It was decided not to appoint Smith for a leadership position for two years.
With Tim Paine’s resignation as Australia’s Test captain following the sexting scandal in Australia, Justin Langer, Cummins, Smith, and chief coach Justin Langer now have to lead the Ashes at Home.
Ponting, who is also chief coach of IPL side Delhi Capitals, praised Friday’s appointment of Pat Cummins to the Test captain’s position and said Smith’s role was’really important.
“The only concern that I have is.Pat’s fast bowler is he going keep bowling? Because the team will need it.Or will he be concerned about what others think if he keeps his mouth shut? Ponting, a former Australian skipper, spoke to cricket.com.au Friday.
“Because it might turn the other way that he doesn’t bowl enough because he’s getting physically tired.Sometimes you need someone to push you or guide you.That’s why I believe the vice-captain will be crucial.”
Smith has been in poor form since his return to cricket in 2019 after his ban expired.However, he has been praised for his positive attitude in the dressing room during the tenure of former skipper Paine.
“We all have made mistakes.
We all agreed that it was a severe punishment (bans) for all those men at the time.Ponting said that it was a long time ago.He’s played some amazing cricket since then, and has never stepped wrong in anything he did in his life.
Ponting added, “So far as I’m concerned.If Cricket Australia thinks it’s okay.Then I’m not surprised that they have given him this job.”
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