Ponting takes another swipe at England
August 26, 2010 13:14:54 UK
Ricky Ponting believes that England's fragile batting line-up could be key to his side's success in this winter's Ashes series.
The Australia captain has continued a week of jibes from the Aussie camp towards England from their Queensland training camp.
There are probably a few little cracks starting to open up with England.
Ricky Ponting
It was Ponting who started the verbal onslaught when he suggested another 5-0 drubbing may be in the offing for England after their whitewash in Australia four years ago.
Then it was all-rounder Shane Watson's turn, believing that England's new fast-bowling find Steven Finn was too inexperienced to perform in an Ashes series in Australia.
And today Ponting took the reigns again, insisting that England's batting line-up is vulnerable to attack.
England have made a habit of collapsing in their ongoing npower series at home to Pakistan.
The fourth Test begins today with England at 1.001 to win, while Pakistan can be backed at 1.001 and the draw is 1.001.
Ponting told Sky Sports: "There are probably a few little cracks starting to open up with England, particularly with the batting side of things."
With the likes of Kevin Pietersen, captain Andrew Strauss and Paul Collingwood all currently averaging under 30 against Pakistan this summer, Ponting has a theory too that Eoin Morgan will play ahead of Ian Bell in the middle order against Australia.
"He's been impressive in a few games against us in one-day cricket," he said of the Irish-born left-hander, who has one Test hundred to his name after five matches so far. "I think they will play him at Bell's expense. There seems to be a bit of a buzz around the country with Morgan.
"I think they liked his attitude more than anything else. I think that's probably something they'd like for a big series."
England's bowlers are currently benefiting from the expert tutelage of Australian coach David Saker, but Ponting warns that advice from beyond the boundary has its limitations.
"I know they have an Australian bowling coach with them at the moment," he said.
"But you can have all the coaching you want - it is what you do on the field that wins you matches."
Australia are 1213.00 to win the Ashes series 2010/11, while England can be backed at 1.25 and it is 3.75 that the series is drawn.
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