India have a lot of uncertainty around them: Ponting
What's the story
Legend Ricky Ponting had predicted a series win for Australia ahead of the first Test against India earlier this month. The former skipper has stuck to his opinion ahead of the Boxing Day Test. Aussies beat India in the second Test in Perth to level the four-match series at 1-1. And Ponting didn't sound optimistic regarding India's chances.
Batting
India's batting a weak link
India disappointed big time with their batting in the second Test. They collapsed in both innings and the recurring problems hit the team hard. Openers are in shambles and the middle order lacks the consistency. This has played a serious role in India's 7 Test match losses outside the subcontinent in 2018. And they could be handed an eighth loss next.
Problems
Problems surround India at the moment
Problems are mounting for India ahead of the third Test. The uncertainty surrounding injured stars R Ashwin and Rohit Sharma exist. Prithvi Shaw got ruled out of the series. They have called upon all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who hasn't played much cricket in the last three months and is definitely short of match fitness. The opening combination is another big issue looming for India.
Ponting
'I think India's batting frailties have been highlighted this week'
Punter made a valid point about India's batting. "I compared the two teams at the start of the series and I didn't think India could win here just because of the frailties of their batting and I think that's been highlighted this week," Ponting told cricket.com.au. Ponting feels that this is desperate time for India, who had to call in new players.
Quote
India haven't got long to turn things around: Ponting
"They've got as much on their plate as the Australian boys have, if not more now that they've lost this game. [There is] a lot of uncertainty around their group and they haven't got long to turn things around," said the legendary cricketer.