In his forecast for the forthcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia, former Aussie captain Ricky Ponting named the hosts as the favourite. Starting on November 22, the two teams will face off in five Test matches. For the first time in its history, India has been thrashed 0–3 at home going into the series.
As a result, going into the series, the Rohit Sharma-led team does not appear to be very confident. Ponting selected Australia as the clear favourite to win the series by a lead of 3-1, citing their experience and home supremacy, and by also taking into consideration India's recent performance and present form.
Ponting's prediction for BGT
"I think India will win a Test match somewhere through the five Test matches. But I still think now, Australia probably look a bit more settled, a bit more experienced and we know that they're a very hard team to beat at home. So I'll stick with the 3-1," Ponting said on ICC Review.
Ponting speaks on Shami's absence
Ponting went on to discuss India's significant bowling shortage in the wake of pacer Mohammed Shami's absence. Due to a delayed recovery, the speedster, who has not played since the 2023 ODI World Cup because of a heel injury, will not be participating in the series.
"Probably more so now (than before). (Mohammed) Shami just leaves such a big hole in that bowling group. Back then (in August) there was still some conjecture about whether Shami would be fit or not. I think taking 20 wickets in a Test match for India is going to be the biggest challenge. I think they'll bat well enough out here with the current group of batters that they've got," Ponting added.
Young players Prasidh Krishna and Harshit Rana have been selected in India's 18-man roster to take Shami's place in the pace attack. They will be joining Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, and Jasprit Bumrah in the squad. India must once again perform their magic in Australia after winning their last two Test series there in order to remain in the running for a spot in the next World Test Championship (WTC) final.
