As anticipation builds for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy starting November 22 in Perth, Australian cricket legend Ricky Ponting has stirred controversy by questioning Virat Kohli’s recent form. Former Australian all-rounder Shane Lee has cautioned Ponting, suggesting his remarks might ignite Kohli’s competitive spirit and ultimately work against Australia.
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Ponting’s Comments on Kohli’s Form
In a recent episode of the ICC Review, Ponting raised concerns over Virat Kohli’s consistency in Test cricket. The former Australian skipper remarked on Kohli’s modest returns, highlighting a surprising statistic:
- Two Test centuries in the last five years.
- An average of 22.72 in six Tests in 2024.
Ponting stated:
“I saw a stat the other day about Virat—it said he’s only scored two Test hundreds in the last five years. That didn’t seem right to me, but if that is accurate, then that’s a concern. There probably wouldn’t be anyone else still playing international cricket as a top-order batsman who’s only scored two Test match hundreds in five years.”
Shane Lee’s Response: “Bad Move, Ricky”
On Fox Cricket’s podcast The Follow On, Shane Lee expressed disapproval of Ponting’s comments, warning that such remarks could motivate Kohli to deliver match-winning performances.
“That is a bad move, Ricky. What are you doing? You are going to fire that guy up. He is a world-class player, and he will fire up out here.”
Lee believes the series is poised to be fiery, especially with tensions surrounding past controversies like ball-tampering allegations and now Ponting’s critique of Kohli.
India’s Form and Kohli’s Determination
India heads into the Border-Gavaskar Trophy following a disappointing home Test series loss to New Zealand. However, Shane Lee anticipates India will bounce back strongly in Australia, with Kohli playing a pivotal role.
Historically, Kohli has thrived under pressure, and Ponting’s comments might serve as extra fuel for the Indian superstar. Lee remarked:
Australia’s Strengths and Weaknesses
Bowling Attack: A Major Strength
Shane Lee lauded Australia’s bowling lineup, which features world-class talents like:
- Mitchell Starc
- Pat Cummins
- Josh Hazlewood
- Nathan Lyon
“We have a world-class attack. It doesn’t get much better than Starc, Cummins, Hazlewood, and Lyon,” Lee said.
Fragile Batting Line-Up
However, Lee expressed concerns about Australia’s batting, calling it “one of the weaker batting line-ups” in recent memory.
- Nathan McSweeney, an inexperienced opener, is under significant pressure.
- Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith are struggling with form.
The lone bright spot in the batting department is Usman Khawaja, whom Lee expects to perform well.
“Khawaja is the standout for me. He is going to play really well.”
Predictions for the Series
Lee predicts a closely contested series, ending in a 2-2 draw. While Australia’s bowlers will dominate, the team’s batting frailties might prevent them from clinching the series.
Kohli’s Test Record: A Champion Under Pressure
While Ponting’s criticism of Kohli is statistically valid, it’s worth noting Kohli’s ability to rise to the occasion. Over the years, he has proven himself as one of the most resilient and competitive players in cricket.
Kohli’s Record Against Australia
- Runs: 1,682
- Average: 48.05
- Centuries: 7
Kohli has consistently performed in Australia, where the conditions often favor fast bowlers. With added motivation from Ponting’s comments, Kohli could very well silence his critics in the upcoming series.
Conclusion
The Border-Gavaskar Trophy promises to be a thrilling contest between two cricketing giants. While Australia’s bowling attack remains their greatest asset, their batting woes could open the door for India to capitalize. Virat Kohli, fueled by Ricky Ponting’s remarks, may emerge as the series’ defining player, showcasing his resilience and class.
As Shane Lee aptly warned, “You don’t poke the bear,” and Ponting’s comments might have just done that. The cricketing world eagerly awaits November 22 to witness the fireworks.