Inarguably one of the greatest Australian captains, Ricky Ponting was at his absolute best in the commentary box on Day 2 of the New Year’s Test between Australia and Pakistan at SCG.

Ponting predicted the exact mode of dismissal for David Warner moments before the Aussie opener got out.

Warner’s stay at the crease was cut short by Agha Salman for 34 with a brilliant delivery that spun and bounced. The ball took the edge and Babar Azam took a good catch at first slip.

While off-spinner Sajid Khan was bowling without much success, Ponting said that Pakistan should introduce Salman into the attack.

“Salman was quite impressive in the first couple of Test matches with his off-spin,” Ponting was heard saying on Channel 7. “Didn’t bowl many bad balls. To me, it looks like he gets more work on the ball than what Sajid does. Hasn’t really turned many today, Sajid. Worth giving [Salman] a bit of a crack before the lunch break.”

As it turned, the visitors brought in Salman and he produced a beauty to get rid of Warner.

Justin Langer, who was on-air alongside Ricky Ponting, was amazed by the former Australian skipper’s shrewd thinking and jokingly asked if he had ever captained a side before.

In reply, Ponting said: “Once or twice JL. What a piece of bowling it was. I had the feeling. He gets a lot of work on the ball. That took a chunk out of the top of the wicket. Squared Warner up. Off he goes.”

Coming to the Sydney Test, Pakistan posted 313 in their first innings on the back of half-centuries from Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Agha and Aamer Jamal.

In response, Australia were well placed at 116/2 when rain stopped the match and the day’s play was eventually called off.

Having won the first two Tests in Perth and Melbourne, Australia have already taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.