Ricky Ponting puts the onus on Australian top-order batsmen
Australia chose to bat in the first one-day international against England but never really recovered from 90/5 as they went down by three wickets, and before the second game, Ricky Ponting has asked the top-order batsmen to put their hands up and deliver.
That Australia managed to put up 214 was largely due to Glenn Maxwell hitting 62 and putting together 84 runs with Ashton Agar (40) for the sixth wicket, but Moeen Ali (3/43) and Adil Rashid (2/36) had done too much damage for the visitors to bounce back.
“It highlighted again the importance of our top-order batsman taking responsibility and getting some big runs,” said Ponting, who is assisting head coach Justin Langer on tour.
“We lost an early wicket but I thought (Shaun) Marsh and (Aaron) Finch's partnership looked really promising. But both of them getting out in successive overs to Moeen Ali, and all of a sudden, we are behind the eight ball.”
With the focus now shifting to Cardiff for the second game, Ponting asked the batsmen to look within. “These players need to be hard on themselves and work out how they can improve on a daily basis,” he said. “But what I have seen from training the last few days has been outstanding, certainly on the batting side of things.
“It didn't happen (Wednesday) but there is certainly enough skill and talent there to push on and win some games through the remainder of this series.”
Having joined the new leadership group of Langer and Tim Paine, the captain, on a short-term deal, Ponting has had a chance to see the environment around the team.
“From what I saw in training I actually expected a better performance than what we saw. Just with the whole vibe around the group I thought we might have seen something a little bit special from them. It wasn't to be,” said Ponting.
“What I have seen is a really focused group, a really calm environment and a group of guys that are really embracing this new culture and way forward for Australian cricket. I have only been here for a couple of days but I'm listening to what they have to say and everyone couldn't be happier with the environment that's been created.
“There is great buy-in from all the players about the direction Justin and the leaders want to take it and that is half the battle. So far that seems to be the case.”
For the former Australia captain, the best part of the gig with the team is the time spent with the youngsters.
“Being on a tour in England you get four hours on the bus with the boys and I will be able to sit down with the young blokes and talk cricket,” he said. “I love doing it. I know there are a lot of young guys there that love to talk cricket and how we are going to improve for Saturday will come up. That's what I am here for.”