EXCLUSIVE: Ricky Ponting makes his prediction for the WTC Final between India and Australia — 'The Australian team will dominate...'

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 is going on in full force, with the final edging close. However, international cricket returns for India as well after the tournament, with the final match of the World Test Championship (WTC Final) 2021-23 cycle to be played between India and Australia in England from June 7-11.

Ahead of the WTC final, Australia's legendary captain Ricky Ponting gave his prediction on who might win the one-off mega match, in addition to his take on the conditions in England, and how the Australian team will tackle the threat of India.

'Australia will win the final'

Talking about all aspects of the match in a special press conference ahead of his IP team Delhi Capitals' (DC) final match of the season against the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Ponting said, "Many Indian players have already been ruled out due to injury. Of these, Jasprit Bumrah's exit is the biggest loss. In this sense, I think that the kind of circumstances is there in England. The Australian team will dominate India and can win the World Test Championship."

'Ishan best option in place of Pant'
Ponting further insisted that Ishan Kishan should take Rishabh Pant's place in the Indian Test team. The DC skipper is recovering from a car accident. Ponting said, "I think India should give Ishan Kishan a chance in place of Pant in the final of the World Test Championship. He plays like him. While Suryakumar Yadav should also be in reserve."

Indian spinner vs Australian batting
While Australia have fast bowling options, India have strong spinners, according to Ponting. Focusing on the strengths of Team India, Ponting further opined, "There will be a middle order battle between Indian spinners and Australia. Because there is some weakness in Australia's middle order. This is a very big match and is like the World Cup final of Test cricket.
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