Ponting predicts India- Australia final
Former Aussie skipper says New Zealand are dark horses
New Delhi, Oct. 19: Nicknamed ‘ Punter’ for his old habit of placing bets on greyhound racing, two- time World Cup- winning captain Ricky Ponting has predicted an India- Australia final in the 2015 edition of the showpiece event starting February 14.
“I think Australia will meet India in the 2015 World Cup final. It will be an interesting match- up between two great batting sides and an ideal setting for a World Cup final,” Ponting said at a conclave. Sitting amid an elite panel of World Cupwinning captains, Ponting was frank in his admission that the Michael Clarke- led Aussie outfit will be a force to reckon with on their home ground.
“Surely, Australia will emerge champions,” said Ponting, breaking the hearts of many an Indian audience.
“New Zealand are definitely the dark horses. They are unbelievably good at home. The have the best depth in their team with regard to fast bowlers and allrounders,” he added.
After being involved in over 160 Tests and 370 ODIs, Ponting accumulated 27,082 runs to become Australia’s leading run- scorer in Test and ODI cricket.
Ponting said that Aussie batsmen David Warner will be the one to watch out for in the 11th edition of the 50over World Cup.
“Power- hitters are a welcome change in the 50- over game and I believe Warner is going to have maximum impact in the World Cup. David Warner will be the player for Australia.
“In the last 12 months he has been playing really well, be it Test cricket, ODIs or T20s. If he can give a flying start with new balls from both ends, Australia will be going one way and that will be to win,” said the former Aussie skipper, who was also part of the 1999 World Cup winning Australia squad.