Not Arshdeep Singh! Ricky Ponting backs this Indian left-arm bowler to be part of Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25

Ricky Ponting predicts Australia will win the five-test series and reclaim the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Next month, the Indian cricket team will kick off their test season with a two-match series against Bangladesh at home. They will then host New Zealand for three tests.

But the biggest challenge for the Asian giants and the most-awaited test series among the fans will be the high-voltage five-match test series in Australia, starting November 22.

India and Australia will compete for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. This is the first time since 1992/93 that both teams will compete in a five-match test series.

India have won the last four test series against Australia, including two away from home. Their twin test series wins Down Under have come on the back of solid shows from their pacers.

For the upcoming tour, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Mohammed Siraj will be the three first-choice picks. But the fans remain uncertain of the backup pacers.

Ricky Ponting feels Khaleel Ahmed could be picked in India’s squad for Australia tour

While some experts feel that Arshdeep Singh, with his left-arm angle, could be a point of difference, former Australia skipper Ricky Ponting opined Khaleel Ahmed is the left-arm pacer India should pick to be on the plane to Australia.

“Someone like Khaleel Ahmed I think could find himself on the Test tour,” Ponting said on the ICC Review.

“I know he’s just been over in Zimbabwe recently and played that (T20I) series over there, but a left-armer would be ideal for them to have in their touring squad.”

Ponting worked with Khaleel in the last two Indian Premier League (IPL) seasons. Khaleel is uncapped at test level. He has played only 12 First-Class (FC) games, in which he snapped 25 wickets at an average of 25.

The former Aussie skipper has predicted the hosts to win the series 3-1.

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