‘Well, If I’m Australia…’ – Ricky Ponting’s gives brutal reply to England’s Bazball tactics at Lord’s Test in Ashes 2023

Australia lock horns with England in the second Test of the Ashes 2023 which kicked off on Wednesday at Lord’s. Australia came into the Test match with a 1-0 lead in the five-match series as they won the first match by two wickets. After the end of play on day three, the visitors have an upper hand in the second Test as they lead by 221 runs.

The Three Lions faced criticism from fans and from former cricketers like Geoffrey Boycott and Michael Vaughan, as well as the team, who collapsed from a very strong position. They lost six wickets in the first session of day three and were able to score only 47 runs in the session. They started their day at 278 runs for the loss of four wickets and were bundled out for 325 runs.

I will make it as unachievable as possible: Ricky Ponting

After the lead of 91 runs, Australia started off the second innings with positive intent. Their left-hand openers, David Warner and Usman Khawaja put together a partnership of 63 runs before the former was sent back to the pavilion by right-arm seamer, Josh Tongue after scoring 25 runs which included two fours in his innings. Australia finished day three at a score of 130 runs for the loss of two wickets. The southpaw was batting on unbeaten 58 runs with 10 fours and Steve Smith was batting on six runs which included one four in his innings.

Former Australia skipper, Ricky Ponting shared his views on on England’s ‘Bazball’ approach and stated that most of the England players have said that they are playing for a victory and if he was in the Australia dug out, then he would set the “most ridiculous” target for the hosts.

“Everything we hear from England is, that they are not going to be happy with a draw. They’re going to do everything to try and win the game. Well, If I’m Australia, I’m batting as long as I can and setting the most ridiculous total. They actually said they will try to win. I will make it as unachievable as possible, let them go as hard as they can,” Ponting was quoted as saying on Sky Sports.