Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting slammed Joe Root for blaming England’s bowlers following the visitors’ 275-run loss in the 2nd Ashes Test. After the Day-Night Test at the Adelaide Oval, Root was decisive in his opinion that the Three Lions’ bowling unit was unable to find the line and lengths required to collect wickets in the pink-ball Match. Here we discussed on Topic Ricky Ponting Slams Joe Root For Blaming England Bowlers.
Ricky Ponting Slams Joe Root For Blaming England Bowlers
Root stated that the bowlers needed to pitch lengthier deliveries. Ponting was certain that the England Test captain should have used his authority to force the bowling attack to deliver in line with the rules.
“I nearly fell off my seat when I heard that. Whose job is it then to make them change? Why are you captain then? If you can’t influence your bowlers on what length to bowl, what are you doing on the field?” said Ponting.
Joe Root can come back and say whatever he likes: Ponting
Australia’s World Cup-winning captain in 2003 and 2007, Ponting suggested Root could have been more aggressive in implementing bowling adjustments based on the conditions.
“Joe Root can come back and say whatever he likes but if you’re captain, you’ve got to be able to sense when your bowlers aren’t bowling where you want them to. And if they’re not going to listen, you take them off, simple as that”.
“Give someone else a chance that is going to do it for you. Or you have a really strong conversation with them on the field to tell them what you need. That’s what captaincy is all about,” he added.
On the offensive hand, Root had a decent effort, scoring 62 runs in the 1st inning and 24 in the 2nd. Since being struck by a delivery from left-arm quick Mitchell Starc, the experienced also suffered a groin injury.
England was knocked out for 192 in 113.1 overs while chasing 468. Joe Buttler batted for 207 balls and smashed 2 fours before being bowled out by Jhye Richardson, who finished with a five-wicket haul. The 3rd Test will be held at the MCG beginning December 26.
