The Australian team will be talking about Virat Kohli and Pujara ahead of WTC Final: Ricky Ponting

Ahead of the eagerly-anticipated World Test Championship (WTC) 2021-23 Final, Australia great Ricky Ponting opined that the Aussies will face quite a challenge from the likes of Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara.

With the One-off Test scheduled to commence on June 7, at the Oval, in London, both teams have begun preparations in full swing so as to clinch the coveted mace. However, Ponting stated that Australia will need to be wary of Kohli and Pujara in order to overcome the challenge in the ultimate Test.

"The Australian team will be talking about Virat (Kohli), no doubt about it, and they'll be talking about (Cheteshwar) Pujara. They're the two. Pujara has been a thorn in their side a lot in the past, and in Australia, and this wicket will potentially be a lot more like an Australian pitch. They know that they'll have to get him early," Ponting said on 'The ICC Review'.

"They also know that Virat over the last few weeks is probably just about back to his absolute best, albeit in T20 cricket. He told me that the feeling he's getting right now is that he's almost back to his best, and that's an ominous warning for the Australians going into a one-off game," he added.

'He's got a bit of swagger. He has some serious class' - Ponting opines of Gill ahead of WTC Final

Notably, Kohli relished a solid campaign in the IPL 2023, as he collected 639 runs in 14 outings, lacing it with six fifties and two centuries. On the other hand, Pujara is known to rise up to the challenges posed by the Aussies and has 2033 runs at a sublime average of 50.82, featuring five tons.

Mighty impressed with Shubman Gill’s batting exploits in the IPL 2023, Ponting also praised the ‘class’ maintained by the flamboyant batter. Ponting further opined that Gill, who has nearly perfected the ‘front-foot pull shot’, will be tested against the Australian pace attack.

"He looks like a terrific young guy. He's got that bit of attitude about him as well. He's got a bit of swagger. He has some serious class. That sort of front-foot pull shot that he plays against the fast bowlers will be a shot that he'll probably need against this Australian attack," Ponting concluded.