Ashes 2021-22: Ricky Ponting fears series whitewash for England after Brisbane debacle

Legendary batter Ricky Ponting reckoned that England are in danger of getting whitewashed in the ongoing Ashes. The Three Lions started the five-match series with a nine-wicket defeat at The Gabba in Brisbane. Subsequently, they have fallen 0-1 down in the five-match series.

Joe Root and Dawid Malan tried to resurrect the innings for the visitors, but their efforts went in vain. Ponting, meanwhile, said that Root and Co. had the best chance of winning in Brisbane since the conditions at the venue was similar to that of England.

“The conditions are only going to get better for Australia. The conditions (in Brisbane) were very English like. There was more pace and bounce but as far as their bowling is concerned, they’re probably not going to get that much movement anywhere else for the entire series,” Ponting was quoted as saying in cricket.com.au.

The second Test is a Day-Night affair and is scheduled to be played at the Adelaide Oval from Thursday, December 16 onwards. Ponting said that if England don’t get over the line next time around, they could be in for a series whitewash. “If they don’t win in Adelaide then there could be shades of ’06/07,” he said.

The 2006-07 Ashes turned out to be a disaster for the Three Lions. All the five Tests in the series was one-sided affairs as the hosts showed sheer dominance.

Jhye Richardson is in great form, says Ricky Ponting

Ponting also said that Jhye Richardson should get a chance in the second Test after Josh Hazlewood was ruled out due to an injury. The Perth Scorchers fast bowler would be up against Michael Neser for a place in the eleven. Although he reckoned that Neser won’t be the worst of picks, Ponting skill backed Richardson to make the cut.

“Richardson was obviously very close to playing this Test instead of Starc. He’s in great form. When the ball’s not swinging and seaming, I’d have him ahead of Neser as far as an all-round bowling package is concerned. Neser obviously thrives in swinging, seaming conditions that he gets at the Gabba – and might get at some stage in Adelaide – but I still think Richardson gets the nod,” Ponting added.