Australia Faces Major Selection Decisions Amid Injury Woes
Australian cricket legend Ricky Ponting has suggested a bold move for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, advocating for Steve Smith to open the batting as the team deals with multiple injuries. Speaking on The ICC Review, Ponting highlighted Smith’s white-ball prowess and the team’s need for a stable opener.
Smith as a Potential Opener
With regular captain Pat Cummins, fast bowlers Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, and all-rounders Cameron Green and Mitchell Marsh all ruled out, Australia faces significant challenges in team selection.
While Travis Head is expected to retain his spot, Ponting believes selectors might push Smith up the order when Australia faces England on February 22 in Lahore. Despite never opening in his 151-match ODI career, Smith has thrived in T20 cricket, scoring a stunning 121 off 64 balls* in the Big Bash League earlier this year.
Australia’s opening options also include Jake Fraser-McGurk, a talented yet inconsistent player. The 21-year-old averages just 14 runs per innings in ODIs, with a top score of 41 off 18 balls.
Ponting sees Smith as a stabilizing force at the top.
“Smith could be someone that anchors this Champions Trophy at the top of the order. And you know that with the form he’s in, he’s going to make big runs.”
However, Fraser-McGurk remains an explosive option.
“If he plays at his best… he could win a tournament for Australia,” Ponting added.
Bowling Shake-Up: Spencer Johnson Steps Up
Australia’s injury concerns extend to their bowling attack, with frontline pacers unavailable.
Ponting has backed left-arm quick Spencer Johnson as a potential replacement for Starc.
The 29-year-old has limited international experience but made an impact against Sri Lanka, taking 2/44 in an ODI. His 5/26 against Pakistan in a T20I further showcased his potential.
“Spencer Johnson, I think, is someone that could have a real impact,” Ponting said. “He’s very similar to Starc, and we need to make sure he’s ready to go.”
With key batting and bowling decisions looming, Australia’s selectors face tough calls ahead of their Champions Trophy opener against England.
