Glenn Maxwell: Ricky Ponting's impact would be massive
Ricky Ponting led Australia to two consecutive World Cup victories in 2003 and 2007 and once again Aussies will look up to Punter to help them defend the title. He was recently appointed as Australia's assistant coach for the World Cup and Glenn Maxwell feels his impact would be massive. One of the GOATs, Ponting would look to help the batsmen with their technique.
Maxwell, in his interview with cricket.com.au said that Ponting has such a positive influence in the dressing room that "he makes you feel like you can walk on water sometimes". Maxwell added that Ponting's help is meaningful since he can read a player's technique easily. He says that Ponting can point out flaws in a batsman's game within five minutes.
As an instance of Ponting's positive influence, Maxwell recalled the time when New Zealand had put up a massive target of 243 in a T20I match. While the team look worried, Ponting came into the dressing room and fired them up with a pep talk. Ponting wanted the players to reach the target with an over in hand, and they managed to achieve that.
Maxwell's form will be crucial for Australia in their World Cup defense in England. The batsman will be playing 20 ODIs before the World Cup to help him prepare. He will play in the five-match ODI series against India, and further play against Pakistan in UAE. He will also play with county side Lancashire instead of participating in the Indian Premier League.
Australia will play two T20 matches on February 24 (Vizag) and February 27 (Bengaluru). Further, the five-match ODI series is scheduled on March 2 (Hyderabad), March 5 (Nagpur), March 8 (Ranchi), March 10 (Mohali), and March 13 (Delhi).
