Aussie legend Ricky Ponting reckons the introduction of Bazball to the English game was designed specifically for this summer’s Ashes.
Just like the cricket played under Michael Vaughan in the run up to 2005 was all about going toe-to-toe with the great Aussie team of that era, Ponting believes the same is true now. The 48-year-old can’t wait for the five match contest to get underway at Edgbaston next week and has branded England’s new style under Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum a ‘refreshing’ approach to Test cricket
But he has warned that Stokes’ demand for flat and fast pitches to suit his batters could backfire on his bowlers with the Aussies ready to cash in with the willow.
“I think the reason that they've played this way for the last couple of years is with this series in mind,” said Ponting. “I think they're trying to find a brand of cricket that they can play that's going to win an Ashes series.
“It's been refreshing to be honest to see the win at all cost type of mentality, you know, not caring about losing a game along the way - not saying they're not caring, but they're not putting that ahead of trying to win a game. For that fact, I can't wait for the Ashes to start. I'm really intrigued to see what sort of conditions England want, in order to play that style of cricket.
“Because I think if they have the flatter wickets with the smaller boundaries it might just backfire on their bowling group. Their batters will want flatter wickets and their bowlers will want the other. Broad and Anderson and Robinson are going to want something that offers them something.
“I don't think it's impossible to play that way. I think they'll definitely try it and the Australian attack will have to be ready for it.”
Flat wickets are going to put a lot of strain on the bowling resources of both teams with five matches in six and a half weeks, but Ponting is still backing Australia skipper and best bowler Pat Cummins to play a central role in all five thanks to Cameron Green.
The Aussie all rounder will be able to take the pressure off his bowling team-mates, something that Stokes is hoping to do too after posting a photo of himself bowling at St Andrew’s University cricket ground in between his rounds of golf.
“The fact they’ve got Cameron Green there makes it a bit easier,” added Ponting. “In series’ gone by when there hasn’t been a world class all rounder you can throw the ball to for 15 overs an innings then it would have been less likely. But if Pat manages himself well enough with Green there to help out, I think the captain can get through it.”
And what of David Warner who fell for just one in the second innings against India and seriously struggled the last time he was here in the Ashes?
“We know what we are going to get with Davy,” added Warner’s coach at the Delhi Capitals. “When his back is to the wall the most, that is when he is going to come out and throw the most punches.”
