Ricky Ponting Predicts 3-1 Australia Triumph in Border-Gavaskar Trophy

Ahead of the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 between India and Australia, former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting has predicted a 3-1 triumph for the Baggy Greens. Ponting's prediction stems from India's recent series defeat to New Zealand and the absence of key pacer Mohammed Shami due to injury.

Ponting believes that Shami's absence will make it challenging for India to claim the 20 wickets required to win a Test match in Australia. "Taking 20 wickets in a Test match for India is going to be the biggest challenge," Ponting said. "I think they'll bat well enough out here with the current group of batters that they've got."

Despite acknowledging that India may sneak in a win at some point in the five-match series, Ponting remains confident in his overall prediction. "I think India will win a Test match somewhere through the five Test matches," he said. "But I still think now, Australia probably look a bit more settled, a bit more experienced and we know that they're a very hard team to beat at home."

Regarding the potential top-scorer in the series, Ponting identified Steve Smith and Rishabh Pant as the frontrunners. He believes that Smith's move back to No.4 in the batting order increases his chances of success, while Pant's form and ability to bat in the middle order make him a formidable contender.

Among the bowlers, Ponting backed Josh Hazlewood to top the wickets chart. He cited Hazlewood's current form and consistency as the reasons for his prediction. "I think Hazlewood out of the Australian quicks, is right at the moment, is probably at the peak of his powers more than the other guys," Ponting said.

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 is a crucial ICC World Test Championship series that could determine the potential finalists of the WTC cycle. With Australia and India currently at the top of the table, the outcome of this series will have a significant impact on the race to the final.

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