Here's the XI which Ponting would have fielded against India
What's the story
Legend Ricky Ponting has given his inputs regarding the playing XI, which Australia should field, for the first Test against India, starting December 6. Australia have to make a crucial decision about who should open the batting. Further, one middle-order spot is also for grabs. As far as Ponting is concerned, Australia's T20I captain Aaron Finch should be used as an opener. Here's more.
Finch
Aussies facing a dilemma over the opening slot
Australia have gone ahead to give an opportunity to Marcus Harris, who is set to make his debut in the first Test. The issue for Australia is surrounding which batsman should selected to open the innings alongside Harris. Domestic side Victoria prefer Finch in the middle order and he is set to bat down the order, for them, this week.
Victoria
Ricky outlines a plan for Victoria regarding Finch
Ricky prefers Finch to be the opener for Australia and wants Victoria to hand him a chance. "Victoria don't want to break up their opening partnership - I think they should for Aaron Finch's benefit. I think they should let him open for one game and slide Travis Dean down. Just to give him red ball (practice)." Will Victoria follow the advice of Ponting?
Mindset
Punter feels Finch should apply limited-overs mindset
Finch is the ODI opener for Australia and Punter feels that would aid him. "He's (Finch) had a lot of success around the world, opening the batting in T20s and one day internationals - if he can go in with a similar mindset and not worry too much about opening the batting in a Test match. I'm sure he'll have some success.", said Ponting.
Khawaja
Aussies could opt for Khawaja as opener
Australia may be tempted to go with Usman Khawaja as the opener. But the southpaw usually bats at number three as seen in the 2017-18 Ashes. With the stars David Warner and Steve Smith absent, this decision for Australia looks difficult. Ponting has batted for Khawaja to come in at number three. He also praised the southpaw for his application in Tests.
Playing XI
Here is Ponting's ideal Aussie playing XI for Adelaide Test
Ponting went on to select his Australian playing XI for the first Test to be held in Adelaide. He has gone for Harris and Finch as the openers. In the middle order he wants Khawaja, Shaun Marsh, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh and Tim Paine (wicket-keeper) Then there are the four bowlers: Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood.