Ricky Ponting backs Australia to reach semi-finals of T20 World Cup despite humiliating defeat in Pakistan series

Australia slumped to a humilating 0-3 series defeat against Pakistan in a recently-contested T20I series. The last two games of the series proved to be nothing short of embarrassing as they got defeated by margins of 90 and 111 runs respectively. The Baggy Greens' batting performance especially came under the scanner as they got bundled out for 108 and 96 runs in the final two matches.

The defeats once again highlighted Australia's failure to bat well in subcontinental conditions and with their group stage matches of the T20 World Cup set to be held in Sri Lanka, the batting department can very well be a major concern. The series against Pakistan raised questions over Australia's preparations for the T20 World Cup.

Ponting on the team's T20 WC chances

However, former Australia captain Ricky Ponting isn't much concerned about the team's performance and feels that they will pull up their socks in the World Cup. He remarked that even though Team India are the clear favourites, the Aussies won't be an easy side to beat and backed them to make it to the last four.

“If you look at the squad, I think they have as good a chance as anybody. India probably start as the clear favourites because of the conditions, the talent and the group of players they have put together. They’ll be hard to beat. But I really do think we’ll see Australia there come semi-final time," Ponting told ICC.

Australia's injury concerns

Australia have had a rocky road coming into the T20 World Cup and this is mainly due to the injury concerns. Pat Cummins has already been ruled out of the tournament due to a back injury while Josh Hazlewood is expected to not participate in the first phase as he still hasn't recovered fully from his achilles issue. On the other hand, both Tim David and Nathan Ellis had also sustained injuries before the tournament, but have made a great recovery and are likely to play from the get-go.

Meanwhile, Australia have been drawn in Group B of the T20 World Cup alongside the likes of Ireland, Oman, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe. They will begin their campaign with the clash against Ireland on February 11 at the R. Premadasa stadium in Colombo.

ALSO READ: 'You just know when the time is up...': Jos Buttler dismisses retirement rumours ahead of T20 World Cup

Australia's squad for T20 World Cup: Mitchell Marsh (c), Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Cameron Green, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matt Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Matt Renshaw, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa