Ponting Lauds Rabada, Jansen, Urges Australia to Improve Batting

LONDON: Ricky Ponting, the former captain of the Australian cricket team, commended South African fast bowlers Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen. He also advised the Australian squad to display improved batting during the second innings of the ICC World Test Championship Final on Thursday.

Ponting expressed his belief that despite any disappointment the team may feel regarding their performance on the opening day, they still have the chance to recover while batting, provided they focus and commit themselves.

In a conversation on the ICC’s digital platform, Ponting commented on the evolving nature of the pitch. He also suggested that the Australian batsmen would find the conditions more conducive to batting in the second innings and should capitalize on the opportunity.

“The key for the Aussie batters is understanding that they will likely encounter the most favorable batting conditions in their second innings, and they must take full advantage of them,” Ponting stated.

Ponting’s remarks followed a dominant performance by the South African pace duo, Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen, who collectively took eight wickets and dismantled Australia’s batting lineup on the first day.

Rabada was particularly effective, securing his 17th five-wicket haul in Test matches and earning a place on the Lord’s honours board.

Ponting was generous in his praise for the South African fast bowlers, describing them as ‘one of the most impressive’ bowling pairs in the sport.

“There’s no question about it. This has been developing over the past few years. They complement each other exceptionally well, with a left-arm and right-arm combination. Marco is generating steeper bounce compared to Rabada,” he added.

He emphasized the significance of balance and contrast within a bowling partnership.

“It’s not beneficial to have two similar bowlers, as it feels like you’re facing the same type of delivery from both ends. These two have been a very effective duo for several years now,” he noted.

Ponting also drew comparisons between Rabada’s impact at Lord’s and that of his former teammate, Glenn McGrath, who had an outstanding track record at the venue.

“McGrath enjoyed bowling at Lord’s and using the slope effectively from either end of the ground,” Ponting commented.

Reflecting on Rabada’s recent off-field challenges, Ponting added, “These important matches are all about your prominent players. Your key players need to step up in these games.

“Now that he’s back on the international stage, I’m sure he aimed to rise to the occasion and be a key player for his team, which is what quality leaders do.”