India might be going through a torrid time following two successive defeats Down Under, but former Australia captain Ricky Ponting believes if the tourists have a chance of victory in the four—match series, it will be in the Boxing Day Test at the MCG starting on Friday.
Trailing the four-match series 0-2, India lost a close opening match in Adelaide but were outplayed in the second game at the Gabba in Brisbane. Ponting though opined that the MCG conditions might favour the visitors.
“If there is a game that they might win, it will be this one. With what is happening around the Australian team and the conditions here as well. The slow and flat wicket might suit them. So I will give them a little bit of chance,” Ponting said in an interview with ESPNcricinfo .
But the legendary batsman also said that Australia will start as favourites in the third Test.
“If Australia go out there and play the brand of cricket that they have played then I find no problem in them getting the match over in four days,” he said.
Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s aggressive approach in the Brisbane Test was a definite switch from his much-criticised defensive brand of leadership in the longer format and it impressed Ponting.
“If ever there has been criticism of Dhoni and the Indian cricket being too defensive. But I think that he has really showed signs of some aggressive cricket and good field placements. They should be more result oriented in their way of playing,” he said.
“I think playing cricket in India they tend to drag the game a bit, but this sort of cricket does not work in Australia. You have to be really proactive. They should be looking to finish the game in four days time and the teams that I have played in Australia are always looking to play a fast-paced game,” he added.
