Follow UsFormer Australia captain Ricky Ponting advised two of the country’s best batters, who are currently out of form, to take a leaf out of India’s Virat Kohli’s practice manual and change their approach towards the game to get back among the runs.
Asking Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith to find a way to turn around things from a dismal outing in the first Test at Perth where they made a total of 5 and 17 runs respectively in two innings combined, Ponting said that they can learn from Kohli’s second innings at the Optus Stadium.
“He (Kohli) got away from trying to combat the opposition and focused on his strengths. That’s what Marnus and (Steve) Smith need to do – find their way and show great intent,” he said.
Kohli, after being out for 5 off 12 in the first innings, managed to notch up his 30th Test ton. He did take calculated risks on his way to the milestone and Ponting believes that’s the key to success eventually.
“You have to find a way to take risks and put it back on those guys because you know the Bumrahs of the world… they’re not going to give you too many easy scoring opportunities.
"When they do, you’ve got to be ready to pounce on it and put it away and try and put some pressure back on them.”
Mitchell Johnson wants Labuschagne out of the team
Meanwhile, former Australia pacer Mitchell Johnson feels that time off international cricket would help Labuschagne get back his confidence. Labuschagne started the calendar year with scores of 60 & 62* but he's since averaged just 13.66 across 10 innings. In these 10 innings, Labuschagne has passed double digits only once, in Christchurch against New Zealand where he scored 90.
“Labuschagne should be replaced for the second Test in Adelaide. I honestly believe the best thing for Labuschagne at this stage would be to be left out. It would give him a chance to play some Sheffield Shield and club cricket away from the pressure of playing for your country,” Johnson wrote in his column for The Nightly.
“Cricketers get dropped at some point in their careers, and it’s about how you bounce back from that,” added the former quick from Western Australia.
If you’ve not downloaded the Cricket.com app yet, you’re missing out on our content — big time. Download the App here