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'Leading run scorer, I'm going to go...' - Ricky Ponting names two best players as highest run-scorer ahead of BGT 2024

While speaking with host Sanjana Ganeshan on The ICC Review, former Australian player Ricky Ponting predicted the highest run-scorers of the series.

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Arunima Purohit
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Ricky Ponting

Ricky Ponting (Source: X)

The most-anticipated series of the year, Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024, is less than 20 days away, and everyone is quite hyped about it. Fans and former players are waiting for the series, especially after the disappointing series against New Zealand.

While having a wonderful conversation with host Sanjana Ganeshan on the recent episode of The ICC Review, former Australian player Ricky Ponting predicted the highest run-scorers of the series. As per the legendary batter, Rishabh Pant or Steven Smith will lead the batting attack of both teams due to their temperament and skillset. Ponting said, "Leading run scorer, I'm going to go - Steve Smith or Rishabh Pant."

The former player gave a proper explanation as to why he backed these players as his first choice. "I think Smith, the fact that he's moved back down from opener to No.4 probably makes it feel like he's got more of a point to prove. And with Rishabh back in the side and probably coming into bat in the middle order when the ball's probably lost a bit of its shine and a bit of its hardness and the form that he's in, I'll go for him as one of the leading run scorers as well," he added.

Shami just leaves such a big hole in that bowling group: Ricky Ponting

The former player stressed Mohammed Shami's absence and its effects on the bowling attack. Shami will likely miss the BGT series as he hasn't recovered from his injury yet. Even though the player claimed a few days ago that he was absolutely fit, he was excluded from Bengal's Ranji team, where he was set to make his comeback. However, the BCCI hasn't come up with an explanation regarding Shami's absence from India's squad. 

"Shami just leaves such a big hole in that bowling group. Back then (in August) there was still some conjecture about whether Shami would be fit or not. I think taking 20 wickets in a Test match for India is going to be the biggest challenge. I think they'll bat well enough out here with the current group of batters that they've got," added Ponting.

Rishabh Pant Ricky Ponting Steve Smith Border Gavaskar Trophy
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