Ashes 2023: Australia will be disappointed after letting good opportunity slip, says Ricky Ponting

Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting reckons the Pat Cummins-led team will be disappointed after letting a good opportunity slip in the fourth Ashes Test match against England at Old Trafford, Manchester. Australia ended the opening day at 299-8 after 83 overs when Ben Stokes won the toss and decided to bowl first.

In fact, all the Australian batters, barring Usman Khawaja, got off to promising starts but none of them could get a big score. Australia scored at a good clip but kept losing wickets at crucial stages.

Marnus Labuschagne and Mitchell Marsh top-scored with 51 runs each and the rest of the batters failed to convert their starts. David Warner, Steve Smith, and Travis Head could not go on to make a big score despite getting settled at the crease.

“I think Australia will be disappointed,” he said on Sky Cricket. “They have let a very good opportunity slip. It has been pretty good batting conditions [with the sun out] and their top score is 51.”

He added, “The average first innings score at this ground over the last 10 or 11 Test Matches has been 382. A number of the batsmen will be sitting back there, just thinking about their dismissals today, how they potentially let a great opportunity in this series just slip through their fingers.”

On the other hand, Chris Woakes was the pick of the bowlers for England as he returned with figures of 4-52 in the 19 overs he bowled. Furthermore, Stuart Broad bagged a brace whereas Mark Wood and Moeen Ali took one wicket apiece for Three Lions.

Australia had a golden opportunity to put themselves in front but the batters failed to convert their starts. However, the visitors have posted 299 runs on the board and they will be looking to put pressure on England on the second day’s play.