Ricky Ponting considers batting at number four
Australian captain Ricky Ponting considers moving down the order after continuous failures in recent times.
Ponting has just managed 113 runs in eight innings so far in the Ashes this year. Before the start of the Ashes, the Australian selectors hinted at the decision to move Ponting down the order but the Australian captain simply refused.
The English team targeted Ponting and his failures played a crucial role in determining the results of the Ashes this year. Ponting admits that it might be the right time for him to move down the order.
Commenting on his form he said, “I guess there's been a few doubts creep into my mind the last couple of weeks. I'm not going to hide that. I think I definitely have to re-evaluate where I'm at as far as a Test batsman is concerned.”
The Australian selectors will be announcing the squad for the final Test on Thursday and there is a possibility that the http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Usman-Khawaja-c2729 might be included in the squad. If that happens, Khawaja will be replacing Ponting at number three
position in the batting order.
Khawaja has been impressive and has scored at an average of 75.76 in the domestic tournament. Although he has played well, Ponting warned that it would not be easy for anyone to bat at number three in Test cricket.
He said, “It's not an easy place to bat, we all know that. It's something I think the selectors will be talking long and hard about this afternoon and for any selections going forward.”
Ponting praised Khawaja saying that the batsman has impressed him with his performances in the domestic series. He stated, “I've been very impressed with what he's been able to do. His first-class record is very, very good. Technically, he looks as good
as any of the young blokes we've got around http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Australia-c746, probably better. You need to have that really solid technique if you want to stand up at No.3 at Test level.”
The move down to number four may help Ponting regain his batting form although he claimed that he was prepared for any challenge. He said that he was also shocked by his batting failures and he was unable to understand the reason for this dip in form.
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