Ricky Ponting fears series whitewash for England after debacle in Brisbane

Legendary batter Ricky Ponting believed England were in danger of being whitewashed in the ongoing Ashes. The Three Lions started the five-game series with a nine-wicket loss at The Gabba in Brisbane. They then trailed 0-1 in the run of five games.

Joe Root and Dawid Malan tried to breathe new life into the innings for the visitors, but their efforts were in vain. Ponting, meanwhile, said Root and Co. had the best chance of winning in Brisbane as site conditions were similar to those in England.

“Conditions will only get better for Australia. Conditions (in Brisbane) were very English. There was more pace and bounce, but as far as their bowling goes, they probably won’t get that much movement throughout the series,” Ponting told cricket.com.au.

The second Test is a Day-Night affair and will be played at the Adelaide Oval from Thursday 16 December. Ponting said if England don’t cross the line next time, they could have a series of whitewashes. “If they don’t win in Adelaide, there could be shadows of ’06/07,” he said.

The 2006-07 Ashes turned out to be a disaster for the Three Lions. All five Tests in the series were one-sided affairs as the hosts showed sheer dominance.

Jhye Richardson is in top form, says Ricky Ponting

Ponting also said Jhye Richardson should get a chance in the second test after that Josh Hazlewood was eliminated due to injury. The Perth Scorchers fast bowler would face Michael Neser for a place in the eleven. Though he didn’t think Neser would be the worst choice, Ponting’s skill helped Richardson make the cut.

“Obviously Richardson was very close to playing this test rather than Starc. He’s in great shape. If the ball doesn’t swing and seam I would have it for Neser as far as an all round bowling package. Neser obviously thrives in the swinging, seamy conditions he gets at the Gabba — and maybe at some point in Adelaide — but I still think Richardson gets the wink,” Ponting added.