Ricky Ponting (Photo Source:Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)
The Ashes 2023 kicked off in fabulous fashion for the Pat Cummins-led Australia. Taking on England in the first Test of the series at Edgbaston, Australia scripted a narrow two-wicket victory, as Cummins’ brilliance with the bat during the run chase proved to be a crucial factor in the win.
However, one worrying factor for Australia in the game was the performances of Marnus Labuschagne and Travis Head across the two innings. Being the world’s No. 3rd and 4th ranked Test batters, respectively, both were unable to make much impact on the game.
Labuschagne scored 13 runs across the two innings, whereas Head scored 66 runs in two innings. As they would be keen on improving in the forthcoming matches, former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting came forward to give some tips to the batters. Talking about Labuschagne, Ponting opined that he is overcomplicating things and should go back to the basics.
“I’ll wait for them to come and ask me. It’s not my place, I’m not one of the coaches, I’m just a past player that’s sitting back and analysing what a lot of these guys are doing, but I would like to catch up with him and have a chat about his batting, because I think what I’ve seen over the last couple of weeks, as far as I’m concerned, I think he’s over complicating things a little bit,” Ricky Ponting said on the ICC Review.
“I think he has to trust and believe in what’s made him the No.2-ranked Test batsman in the world for the last couple of years and go back to trusting that. That’s all I’d say to him really,” he added.
He has to work at it in his own mind: Ponting
Furthermore, Ponting had a plethora of tips for Travis Head as well. The former Aussie skipper stated that Head needs to work up a plan to get through initial phase of attack from the English bowlers.
“Firstly, he’s now going to be aware that it’s going to happen. He’s going to expect that, so therefore I think he has to work at it in his own mind. What’s the best way for him to combat that type of bowling? Is it going to be to take it on? Is he going to have success if he tries to hook and pull balls that are into his body? Does he find a way to be able to duck and weave and get out of the way a bit better and try and wear the bowlers down?” Ponting said.