Ashes 2019: "Expect Australia to stick with Bancroft for the long haul," says Ricky Ponting

The former Australian captain also believes that Warner and Bancroft might need some more time but they will score runs in Ashes.

Bancroft (L) and Warner (R) have made a combined total of 41 runs in 6 innings | Getty Images

The three banned Australian cricketers have not had the same fate in their comeback series so far. While Smith’s name is doing the rounds of being among the best Test batsmen of all-time, Warner and Bancroft are having a tough time out in the middle. Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting feels that though Bancroft is in a poor run of form, the management will back him for a certain period of time.

Cameron Bancroft has not been able to make a mark yet in the ongoing Ashes series. The 26-year-old has scored 8, 7 and 13 in his 3 innings so far. This has certainly reduced his chances of being picked in the future matches. However, Ponting feels that if the decision to play him was made, he will be given a longer run before bringing down the axe.

Ponting told cricket.co.au, “It was a tough call in the first place, but I think the fact they made as big a decision as they did, I think they'll stick with him. I know that they love everything about the way he goes about his cricket. He's very professional and dedicated and brings a bit in the field.

Former captain Steve Waugh is with the Australian team as a consultant for the Ashes series. The legend also had to play 27 Tests before getting to his first century. Therefore, he is a believer of giving players the chances before taking a negative call.

I know Steve Waugh is all over identifying that side of people and sticking with them. You've only got to think of his own career. It was 27 Tests before he made his first hundred and look what he turned into. I think there might be a bit of that sort of attitude around this group; identifying the ones you want to stick with and give a good crack at it. The fact Bancroft was picked at the start of the series says to me they've identified him as one of those guys they want for the long haul,” Ponting said.

Opening the batting in Tests in English conditions is always challenging. It becomes more difficult if you do not have the confidence or the runs under your belt. This is what might be adding pressure on the Australian openers who are also making their comebacks.

The 44-year-old said, “Bancroft is probably under pressure just because he hasn't made the runs he would have liked to have made. It's a technique all of his own. He falls over a little bit and his head is always outside the line of his front foot and that generally means you're going to be susceptible to the ball coming back in. But he's found a way to make runs all over the world in the last couple of years.

(Bancroft and Warner) are both batting at the toughest time of the innings and I think they eventually will score some runs. There'll be times when they get through the new ball and capitalize on good conditions. They've got to stick with them now,” he added.

(Inputs from cricket.com.au)

 
 

By Sameer Deodhar - 17 Aug, 2019

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