Nevill ‘obvious’ choice to replace Wade: Ponting

Ricky Ponting has backed Peter Nevill as the ‘obvious’ choice to replace Matthew Wade as Australia’s wicketkeeper for the Ashes. The hosts are set to announce their squad for the first two Tests on Friday.

Wade was drafted into the team in a revamp post their defeats to South Africa at home last year, but he has had a torrid time with the bat, leaving selectors with no other choice but to contemplate change. Ponting told cricket.com.au, “I reckon I’ve heard every wicketkeeper in Australia’s name mentioned in the last couple of weeks. If they do make a change, I would feel a bit for Wade, (given) the games he’s played have been in the sub-continent leading up to (the domestic summer in) Australia.”

MUMBAI: