Ponting in need of inspiration (6 December 1998)

6 December 1998

Ponting in need of inspiration

By Ian Chappell

AUSTRALIA should ditch their horses for courses policy and so turn a good batting line-up into an excellent one. Ricky Ponting's strokeplay is wasted at No 6 and he should be promoted to No 3 where his skill against pace bowling and ability to dictate play would enhance Australia's run-scoring capabilities.

Ponting almost looked bored while batting at the Gabba and got himself out with a frivolous shot. Then at the WACA he was forced to play recklessly even though he had not reached double figures, because he soon found himself with only the flimsy support of Colin Miller and Glenn McGrath. Ponting needs to be given more responsibility to bring out the best in his talent. He has a mind of his own and he will never be a grafter, although he is prepared to work hard for his runs. Much like Mark Waugh, he needs to be challenged regularly to stimulate his batting.

If Ponting was promoted to No 3, Darren Lehmann could be recalled at No 6. Lehmann is a strokemaker, while Justin Langer is a grafter and there is no point in having an accumulator at six. In Pakistan, Lehmann was chosen at six ahead of Ponting because of his ability to play spinners. The roles were then reversed in Australia because of Ponting's confidence against pace. This is all part of the selectors' nonsensical horses for courses policy, but they should simply pick Australia's best six batsmen. Anyway, Ponting and Lehmann should not be in a head-to-head battle. One is clearly a No 3, the other a No 6.

That would be Australia's best line-up to take advantage of the good batting conditions in Adelaide. There is usually a bit of pace and even bounce for the first three days and then it generally assists spinners, although the Test is normally played at the end of January, so before Christmas it may not have as much life.

The other bone of contention in the Australian side is the make-up of the attack. Swing bowlers do not normally enjoy much success in Adelaide, but Damien Fleming is full of confidence and also has the ability to seam the ball, which will probably prove the more rewarding method. Michael Kasprowicz will be unfortunate to miss out as he should bowl well in Adelaide, but he is fast becoming another victim of this ridiculous policy.

It is the choice of spinners that intrigues me most. Stuart MacGill should return while Shane Warne is sidelined. If the selectors want a second spin option in the 12 then they must pick the genuine article in off-spinner Gavin Robertson. Miller is only a part-time off-spinner and Mark Waugh can fill that role adequately, so if it is not Robertson, then Kasprowicz retains his spot in the 12.

On the subject of Warne, the selectors should play him as soon as he is fit for Test cricket, regardless of the number of wickets he has taken. He will find it easier at Test level than in four-day cricket as England play leg-spin so poorly. A Warne comeback in front of a parochial MCG crowd on Boxing Day makes a lot of sense psychologically.

Australia already have a substantial lead in the battle of the mind after demoralising England with leg-spin at the Gabba and then destroying the batting line-up twice with pace in Perth. They now have the opportunity to increase that advantage and retain the Ashes in Adelaide on a pitch that requires good all-round cricket.

Source :: Electronic Telegraph (https://www.telegraph.co.uk)