Ricky Ponting considers only three Australian batsmen from the current Ashes squad in the UK as sure starters for the home Tests against Pakistan and New Zealand later in the year. 

The former skipper feels a batting shake-up is required barring the places of Steve Smith, David Warner, and young Marnus Labuschagne, with Australia's issues with the willow being exposed on this trip. 

"Warner’s going to be a lock," Ponting told cricket.com.au despite experienced opener's struggles in this Ashes. "I don’t care if he gets another duck in the second innings of this Test match (at the Oval), he’s going to be a lock for the Australian summer. Marnus is an absolute lock. Smith’s a lock."

"(There are) still question marks around the guys in the middle, (Matthew) Wade and (Travis) Head. (Opener Marcus) Harris has looked tested against good quality fast bowling in this series."

Disappointing performances from the rest of the top-six could open the door for Joe Burns and Kurtis Patterson, who were left out of the squad despite making centuries against Sri Lanka in February. Even wicket-keeper batsman Alex Carey might be considered. Ponting also thinks captain Tim Paine should continue to be at the helm of affairs during the next home summer. 

"With so many gaps like that, I’d like to see somebody like Pucovski get an opportunity," he said. "Everyone’s talked about him for a long time. A couple of years before the next Ashes series you want to try and blood someone in that No.6 role and he’d be the obvious candidate."

The highly talented Will Pucovski was picked to face Sri Lanka but didn't get a game before he was released from the squad due to mental health issues. 

(Inputs from cricket.com.au)