Former captain Ricky Ponting predicted a 3-2 Ashes victory for Australia while warning of a tough contest against England.
Ricky Ponting has forecast a 3-2 Ashes series win for Australia but warned they face a closely-fought battle against England. The former Australia captain made the prediction on the ICC Review, ruling out any drawn matches in the five-Test series.
Ponting emphasized England’s aggressive style and typical Australian summer weather would prevent draws. He specifically noted Perth and Brisbane pitches are expected to play to their traditional characteristics.
Ricky Ponting’s Series Prediction
“I don’t think there’ll be any draws, just the way that England plays. If there’s reasonable weather through the Australian summer, we know that the biggest concern for the last 15 years has been Sydney with the number of days we’ve lost there. Perth and Brisbane this time of year are normally great. So I don’t foresee any drawn games, and I just think it’s going to be really, really close,” Ponting said.
The former skipper ultimately backed Australia to retain the Urn but expects England to be highly competitive.
“So I’m going 3-2 Australia. The fact that there are no draws. I just think that’s how potentially close it could be. And obviously I’m taking everything into account there as well,” Ponting added.
Ponting highlighted England’s historical struggle in Australia this century to underscore how competitive this series would be if his prediction proves accurate.
“The fact is that England has only won four Test matches in Australia this century, and I’m predicting that they’re going to win two in this series. So that’s how much closer I think it could be,” Ponting concluded.
The first Test begins in Perth on November 21. Australia has announced their playing XI for the opener, while England has named a 12-man squad.
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