"They look a bit more settled.." Ricky Ponting predicts winners of Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25

Ricky Ponting has made an interesting prediction for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.

Ricky Ponting has predicted that the Indian cricket team will manage a maximum of one test match win in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 and the former Australia captain backs Pat Cummins’ side to prevail in the long five-match test series by 3-1.

The five-test series between India and Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy will get underway on November 22 in Perth and conclude in Sydney with the New Year’s test.

Although India won their last two series in Australia, and the last four between these two sides, Australia have now emerged as favourites following India’s shocking home test series loss against New Zealand.

Ponting reckons Australia are a more settled unit than India, though the hosts will be missing all-rounder Cameron Green as he recently underwent back surgery.

“I think India will win a Test match somewhere through the five Test matches. But I still think now, Australia probably look a bit more settled, a bit more experienced and we know that they’re a very hard team to beat at home. So I’ll stick with the 3-1,” Ponting said while speaking on The ICC Review.

Shami just leaves such a big hole in that bowling group: Ricky Ponting

Ponting pointed out that the absence of Mohammed Shami – due to an ankle injury – is a huge hole in the Indian bowling attack. Shami was one of the key contributors to India’s triumph on the 2018/19 tour.

Ponting feels Australia’s chances of winning the series have increased significantly due to Shami’s absence.

Ponting added, “Probably more so now (than before). (Mohammed) Shami just leaves such a big hole in that bowling group. Back then (in August) there was still some conjecture about whether Shami would be fit or not. I think taking 20 wickets in a Test match for India is going to be the biggest challenge.”

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