Ricky Ponting has been recognized as one of the greatest cricket minds and is regarded as one of the finest captains in the sport’s history. In the ongoing Australia vs West Indies Test match, while commentating, he showcased his cricket expertise by perfectly predicting what was going on in Alex Carey’s mind.
During the first innings of Australia, when Alex Carey was batting at 65 runs, Ricky Ponting observed him checking the field and predicted that Carey was gearing up for a big shot. Ponting suggested that the bowler, Shamar Joseph, should deliver a length ball at this moment. True to the prediction, on the very next ball, Joseph bowled a length delivery, Carey attempted a big shot but was caught by the fielder at the deep.
“It looks like (Carey’s) eyes are spinning a bit to me. He’s in overdrive at the moment, wants to hit every ball. I agree with you Bish, just go a bit more defensive, make him play a big shot from a good length ball” said Rickey Ponting just before the delivery.
Today, in Ricky Ponting commentary:
"It looks like (Carey's) eyes are spinning a bit to me. He's in overdrive at the moment, wants to hit every ball.
"I agree with you Bish, just go a bit more defensive, make him play a big shot from a good length ball."
Cue the video #AUSvWI pic.twitter.com/lSdUJ2emCh
— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) January 26, 2024
After Carey’s wicket, Australia found themselves struggling at 150 for 6. However, skipper Pat Cummins played a brilliant innings, contributing with an unbeaten 68-run knock that helped the team reach a total of 289. Surprisingly, Australia declared their innings when they were trailing by 22 runs.
This decision might have been made because they wanted West Indies batters to bat at the end of the day, hoping to secure a wicket. And the plan succeeded, Tagenarine Chanderpaul was trapped by Josh Hazlewood in the 8th over of the innings. With his wicket, the second day was concluded.
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However, the West Indies are having a good outing on the 3rd day. At the time of posting this article, they were playing at 132 for 4 in their second innings and had taken a lead of 154 runs. If Kraigg Brathwaite-led side manages to beat the Aussies in this Test, it will be their first Test match win against Australia since the victory in the Antigua Test in 2003. Since 2003, the West Indies have played 20 Tests without a win against the Aussies, while their last Test win on Australian soil was in 1997 at Perth.