#IndiaInAustralia: Ricky Ponting has predicted the winner of Test series
What's the story
After outlining the playing XI Australia should field in the first Test against India, legend Ricky Ponting has now predicted the winner of the series. Ponting feels, even without star batsmen Steven Smith and David Warner, the hosts should be able to clinch the red-ball series. India and Australia play a four-match Test series, starting in Adelaide on December 6. Here's more.
Series
Ponting predicts 2-1 win in favor of Australia
Interestingly, Ponting had correctly predicted the outcome of the 2017-18 Ashes. He had said Australia would win the Ashes 4-0. And that was the exact result of the series. Now, the former Australian World Cup winning captain has backed the hosts to pocket the Test series 2-1. We will have to wait and watch if Ponting is right this time, as well.
Reason
The reasons why Ponting backs the Aussies
According to cricket.com.au, Ponting's decision to back Australia is based on two factors. First off, India have never won an away Test series against Australia, in 11 attempts. They have won just five of 44 Tests in Australia. Further, he urged the administrators to produce bouncy and lively pitches, which will give Aussies an edge over Kohli and his boys.
Quote
Ponting shares his views on why Australia would win
About his prediction, Ponting said, "I think our batters will bat better against their (bowlers) with something in them (pitches) than their. We're talking 40 years of history with India coming to Australia and not being able to win because of the fast, bouncy pitches."
Khawaja
Ponting predicts Khawaja to be the best player
Ponting also selected the two players he feels will have a real say in the Test series. He backed left-handed batsman Usman Khawaja and pace bowler Josh Hazlewood to shine against India. Ponting feels Khawaja will end up as the leading run-scorer. Interestingly, despite Kohli being in ominous touch, Ponting decided to go with Khawaja. Kohli had scored 692 runs in the previous tour.
Information
Aussies will be confident to achieve the desired result
India lost both their away Test series this year, against South Africa and England. Aussies will be confident to do the job against India especially with their dream pace line-up. The trio of Hazlewood, Starc, Cummins had picked 66 wickets between them in 2017-18 Ashes.