Ricky Ponting, known for his astute cricketing insights, foresees an intense battle in the third and decisive T20I between Australia and England at Old Trafford, with both teams giving their all in the high-stakes encounter.
England levelled the series at 1-1 with a thrilling three-wicket triumph in the second T20I in Cardiff.
“It’s more than ruthless now; it’s 1-1 and it’s Australia against England.I don’t care what game it is, you want to win the series. Thinking about the sides, (Jofran) Archer comes back into mine and (Reece) Topley is probably the one that has to go.”
“He’s been a staple in that side for such a long time but with (Brydon) Carse being impressive, maybe Topley has to go. Australia definitely have to bring (Josh) Hazlewood back in…Let’s see who comes out on top,” said Ponting on Sky Sports Cricket.
Hazelwood and England pacer Archer were both given a break during the second T20I. Mitchell Marsh was also absent from the Australian team due to health issues.
In Archer’s absence, Carse stepped up for England, claiming 2 wickets for 21 runs in Cardiff.
Former Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara also shared his thoughts on the series-decider.
“There’s the T20 Blast Final on Saturday and you don’t have many of the England stars participating in such an important final, so if they are being held back to play, I would sincerely hope that the best team is put out. That’s what the players deserve, it’s what the game deserves, the crowd deserves.”
The Sri Lanka legend emphasised on the importance of putting your best foot forward with a series on the line.
“You can have all your planning and resting and rotation, but the quality of the side can’t be undermined. That’s the whole point of having depth in your squad and the way England and Australia go about selecting their side, they have enough depth to put out their best sides,” he concluded.
England levelled the series at 1-1 with a thrilling three-wicket triumph in the second T20I in Cardiff.
“It’s more than ruthless now; it’s 1-1 and it’s Australia against England.I don’t care what game it is, you want to win the series. Thinking about the sides, (Jofran) Archer comes back into mine and (Reece) Topley is probably the one that has to go.”
“He’s been a staple in that side for such a long time but with (Brydon) Carse being impressive, maybe Topley has to go. Australia definitely have to bring (Josh) Hazlewood back in…Let’s see who comes out on top,” said Ponting on Sky Sports Cricket.
Hazelwood and England pacer Archer were both given a break during the second T20I. Mitchell Marsh was also absent from the Australian team due to health issues.
In Archer’s absence, Carse stepped up for England, claiming 2 wickets for 21 runs in Cardiff.
Former Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara also shared his thoughts on the series-decider.
“There’s the T20 Blast Final on Saturday and you don’t have many of the England stars participating in such an important final, so if they are being held back to play, I would sincerely hope that the best team is put out. That’s what the players deserve, it’s what the game deserves, the crowd deserves.”
The Sri Lanka legend emphasised on the importance of putting your best foot forward with a series on the line.
“You can have all your planning and resting and rotation, but the quality of the side can’t be undermined. That’s the whole point of having depth in your squad and the way England and Australia go about selecting their side, they have enough depth to put out their best sides,” he concluded.
