\u201cPreparation is always a hard one to get right. Because I've seen guys like Travis Head in the past where they've almost had no preparation at all, going into a game and then turn up and play one of the all-time great innings. \u201cFor me, it\u2019s not so much the skills side going into games or series like this. It\u2019s making sure you\u2019re nice and fresh mentally and physically,\u201d Ponting said on the ICC Review show.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The former Ausie captain further outlined his reasoning and reflected on past predictions that didn\u2019t go his way, adding a touch of humour to his assessment.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Ravi Shastri had recently forecasted a close series, suggesting a 3-1 scoreline for either side but believing India could edge ahead with a strong start. When Ponting was asked his view on Shastri\u2019s prediction, the 49-year-old stuck to his guns, saying, \u201cI\u2019m going to stick with the 3-1 Australia.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Ponting\u2019s prediction comes against the backdrop of a historic rivalry. India has not lost a Border-Gavaskar Trophy series since 2017 and famously won the last two contests in Australia, including their dramatic triumph in 2020\/21.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Ponting also recounted a past exchange with India legend Sunil Gavaskar during the 2020\/21 series. After India\u2019s disastrous first Test in Adelaide, where they were bowled out for 36, Ponting had predicted a 2-1 series win for Australia. Gavaskar countered, predicting the same margin in India\u2019s favor. To Ponting\u2019s disbelief, India rebounded spectacularly to win the series 2-1, proving him wrong.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cSunny got the better of me there. hope Ravi doesn\u2019t get the better of me this time. So I'm going to stick with the 3-1 Australia,\" he added<\/p>\r\n\r\n
He also cited Australia\u2019s balanced lineup and preparedness as reasons for his confidence and acknowledged the potential disruptions in India\u2019s campaign, particularly with captain Rohit Sharma expected to return midway through the series.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIndia will be pretty certain of what team they're going to play (in Perth). They've known for a while that Rohit probably wasn't going to be here. They've probably known for a while that Bumrah was going to be captain. So they've probably known what holes they've needed to fill. So they'll be reasonably settled,\" he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
He also cited Australia\u2019s balanced lineup and preparedness as reasons for his confidence and acknowledged the potential disruptions in India\u2019s campaign, particularly with captain Rohit Sharma expected to return midway through the series.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
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