Published: Nov 29, 2018, 02:45 PM (IST)
Edited: Nov 29, 2018, 02:45 PM (IST)
Former record-setting Australian captain Ricky Ponting has predicted that Usman Khawaja will be the leading run-getter in the four-match Test series between India and Australia, piping the No.1 batsman in Test cricket, Virat Kohli.
“He’s (Khawaja) on top of his game, his record in Australia is outstanding,” Ponting told Cricket.com.au. “As much of a threat that the Indian fast bowlers might pose, I think he’s got a game that can cope with it here in Australia. I’m going with him to be the leading run scorer and man of the series.”
Khawaja had an impressive tour of the UAE scoring 85 and 141 in the epic drawn first Test against Pakistan and Ponting believes with the backing of the selectors, Khawaja has got the the perfect package to have a great summer.
“Right now he’s in a really good place, the selectors backed him through that UAE tour, gave him a chance and he came out (better) on the other side of that. With the skill that he’s got and maybe a bit more belief in his own game than ever before, I think he’s got the perfect package to have a great summer,” said Ponting.
However, the 43-year-old did say that Kohli will have a good series, but reiterated that Khawaja is better prepared to face the extra bounce that will be on offer in Australian pitches, particularly in the first two Tests in Adelaide and Perth.
“(Khawaja) will just pip Kohli,” said Ponting. “Kohli will play well I’m sure because he does everywhere he goes and had a great series against Australia last time. Just where they’re starting in Adelaide and Perth – if they leave something in them, Kohli is a bit more vulnerable in those conditions than Melbourne and Sydney.”
Kohli had scored four centuries and 692 runs at 86.50 on India’s last Test tour to Australia four years ago.
