Every team that goes to India struggles: Ricky Ponting

Former Australia skipper Ricky Ponting, who was a part of the Australian cricket team that lost out at the hands of the Indians on several occasions in the Allan-Border Trophy in the subcontinent. However, this time around, Ponting has also gone a notch above and stated that things will definitely not be easy for the visitors on the upcoming tour.

The last time the Aussies toured India, they were whitewashed 4-0. However, this time around, the amount of buildup surrounding the ordeal has been quite a bit given the fact that the Aussies are back on track in recent times following some terrible performances in the past year.

“I think they’ll struggle. Every team that goes there struggles,” Ponting told Sky Sports Radio on Friday. “It’s become harder and harder for visiting teams. They’re probably making wickets to suit them more than ever before. Even looking at what happened in Sri Lanka, whenever the Australian team tours the subcontinent, you’re guaranteed the wicket’s going to turn on day one of the game.”

However, Ponting expected it to be better than the Sri Lankan tour at the very least. “Unlike what happened in Sri Lanka, as long as they can find a way to be really competitive through the Test series … I don’t think it’ll be that big a deal (if Australia loses),” he said.

While Ponting had somewhat of a contrarian view, it was Ian Chappell, another previous Australian skipper who went ahead and spoke more bluntly about the ordeal.

“It’s a really learning curve for our guys to find a balance between playing the Australian way, the Australian style, and adapting that to Indian conditions.”

“I would almost go as far to say that if he doesn’t fire in India, I don’t think Australia’s got much chance,” Chappell told Sportsday.

However, he also went on to state that there was a lot riding on David Warner’s shoulders in the upcoming tour as well. “But if he does, he’ll make it a lot easier for the other guys coming in behind him. Plus, he will give the Indian spinners something to think about, because if he’s there, he’ll be attacking them. That’s something they probably haven’t experienced a lot.”

Also read – Mohammad Shami ‘s Father passes away after suffering Cardiac Arrest