WTC 2023 Final : Ponting criticizes the Indian bowling strategy against Australia in WTC Final

WTC 2023 Final : Ponting criticizes the Indian bowling strategy against Australia in WTC Final
India is trailing in the World Test Championship final, which is taking place at The Oval in London. After scoring an astounding 469 runs, Australia was in a strong position.

Ponting criticized the Indian bowling strategy used against Australia in the WTC Final. He added, “I know the skipper gets the most flak, but it was also Rahul Dravid’s decision. India’s first hour of bowling yesterday was when they let themselves away. They let themselves go during their first hour of bowling yesterday, according to Ponting. The wise move was to use four-seamers, and he praises Mohammed Siraj.”

India’s bowling tactics against Australia were inadequate: Ponting

In the WTC Final, Ponting criticized the Indian bowling strategy used against Australia. “I know the skipper gets the most flak, but it was also Rahul Dravid’s decision,” he said.

India is trailing in the World Test Championship final

India is trailing in the World Test Championship final, which is taking place at The Oval in London. Australia was in a good position after scoring a whopping 469 runs in the first inning, boosted by a massive 285-run partnership between Steve Smith and Travis Head, before their potent pace attack further set India back. India’s score at the end of day two was 151-5, and they still have a long way to go if they want to stage a comeback in the match.

Ricky Ponting pointed out the flaws in the Indian Bowling attack

Later, former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting identified the areas where he believed India’s first-innings ball strategy and execution were flawed. While performing media responsibilities for the ICC website, Ponting claimed that India fell behind right away after skipper Rohit Sharma allowed Australia to bat in cloudy conditions, but the team failed to take benefit.

Ponting: “Their first hour of bowling yesterday was when they let themselves away”

The successful Australian captain in cricket history claimed that “their first hour of bowling yesterday was when they let themselves down.” They had to bowl more forcefully to drive the ball back down the ground due to the state of the wicket, their overhead conditions, and the brand-new Dukes’ ball.

India waited till lunch to take the second wicket

India had a strong start when Mohammed Siraj dismissed the hazardous and man-in-form Usman Khawaja when Australia was only on two. They had to wait until the final over ahead of lunch for the second wicket of the inning. “They required to have Australia four or five down at lunch, but they only had them two down, so that was an impressive result for Australia,” he continued.
Under favorable batting situations, Head teamed up with Smith to launch a counterattack against the Indian pacers. The pair quickly added runs and formed an outstanding partnership.

Ponting: “Playing four seamers was the right decision”

India’s management came under fire for starting four seam bowlers rather than R Ashwin, especially when playing against an Australian batting lineup that featured many left-handed batters. Playing four seamers, however, was the right decision, according to Ponting.

“I know the captain bears the majority of criticism, but I’m aware…..,” says Ponting
Ponting said, “I know the captain bears the majority of criticism, but I’m aware it’s not just his decision. I overheard Rahul and him (Rohit) talking about what they desired to do during the toss yesterday morning. They should have played the four seamers if they wanted to bowl first, in my opinion. So far, it is yet to pay off – however, there’s still plenty of time to go, and we must not be hasty to pass judgment.”

Related Read | WTC 2023 Final Day 1: Australia is on the Front Foot, thanks to Travis Head & Smith

Ponting praises Mohammed Siraj

Mohammed Siraj received praise from Ponting for his four wickets in the first innings, which prevented Australia’s total from exceeding 470. Siraj was the one who claimed he would be the one to make things better, and his pace remained constant throughout the entire innings. It exhibits a positive attitude.