Ricky Ponting Advocates for Travis Head's Promotion in Ashes Series Against England

Ponting's Strategy for the Ashes

Former Australian cricket captain Ricky Ponting has expressed his belief that vice-captain Travis Head's aggressive batting style could provide Australia with a crucial advantage against England's pace bowlers in the upcoming Ashes series.

Ponting emphasized that this strategy could not only help Australia retain the Ashes but also support their campaign in the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27. He noted that moving Head up the batting order would allow all-rounders Cameron Green and Beau Webster to join forces in the middle order, as reported by a sports media outlet.

“Given England's playing style, having Travis Head come in at No.3 could apply pressure on bowlers like Jofra Archer and Mark Wood. This could be a strategic move to take control and dominate England throughout the Ashes series,” Ponting shared during an interview with a radio station.

Head has made a name for himself batting at No.5, amassing 3,963 runs at an average of 41.71, including nine centuries in 60 Tests. His impressive strike rate of nearly 70 has established him as one of Australia's most dynamic and aggressive middle-order batsmen.

Against England, Head has shown remarkable performance, scoring 357 runs in four Tests during the 2021-22 Ashes series and totaling 910 runs in 13 matches across various venues.

Ponting believes that promoting Head could unlock even more potential, recalling his own experience when he moved from No.6 to No.3 during the 2001 Ashes, where he went on to score over 10,000 runs in that position.

With the first Test approaching, Australia's batting lineup remains uncertain, as selectors are keen to evaluate player performances in the domestic Sheffield Shield season before finalizing the squad for the Ashes.

Ponting also endorsed Sam Konstas as a suitable long-term replacement for David Warner, suggesting he could open the batting alongside Usman Khawaja after Konstas' recent century for Australia A.

The 19-year-old gained attention for his impressive debut against India in Melbourne last December and continued his form with a score of 109 against India A in a recent match.

Ponting stated, “Konstas has performed well, making a hundred for Australia A in India, which is exactly what he needed. I envision our top order featuring Konstas and Khawaja.”

He further noted, “The decision to move Green to No.3 during the Caribbean series indicates they see him as a long-term option for that position. Smith will remain at four, Head at five, and I believe Beau should stay at No.6. It’s hard to justify leaving Beau out while keeping others in the lineup.”

While evaluating Australia's prospects, Ponting also considered England's likely lineup, pointing out their No.3 batting issue and the importance of Ben Stokes' fitness.

“The contrast between the two teams is that England's lineup is more predictable, while ours is still uncertain,” he remarked. “Ollie Pope at No.3 is a potential weak spot for them. They could also consider young Jacob Bethell, who has previously batted at three.”

Ponting highlighted Stokes as a key player, stating, “If he’s fit and bowling as he did against India, it changes the dynamics of their team. He’s arguably their best bowler, having regained his pace and fitness.”

Stokes has committed to maintaining his fitness and focus as a long-term all-rounder for England. If he, along with Wood and Archer, is fit, they will pose a significant challenge for the Australian team.

In England's recent Test series against India, Stokes excelled with the ball, taking 17 wickets across four matches, and will aim to replicate that performance in November.

The first Test of the Ashes series is scheduled to commence on November 21 in Perth.