Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting believes Australia have every chance of lifting their second ICC Men’s T20 World Cup title, citing the squad’s flexibility and depth, particularly the presence of multiple all-rounders. However, he also acknowledged that defending champions India start the tournament as clear favourites, given the conditions and the strength of their squad.
Ponting, one of Australia’s most successful captains—who led the side to ICC Cricket World Cup titles in 2003 and 2007 and Champions Trophy wins in 2006 and 2009—shared his views on the latest episode of ICC Review.
Australia, champions of the 2021 T20 World Cup, have endured an inconsistent run in the format since. In the most recent editions, defeats to India and Afghanistan saw them eliminated at the Super Eight stage, highlighting their struggle to replicate the dominance they enjoyed in Tests and ODIs during the 2000s.
‘India Clear Favourites, But Australia Will Be There’
Despite recent setbacks, Ponting remains optimistic about Australia’s prospects in the tournament, which will be played in India and Sri Lanka.
“If you look at the squad, I think they have as good a chance as anybody,” Ponting said, as quoted by the ICC.
“India probably start as the clear favourites in this event due to conditions, the talent and the group of players that they have put together. They will be hard to beat, but I really do think we will see Australia there come semi-final time,” he added.
Transition Phase, But Experience Remains
Ponting acknowledged that Australia are undergoing a slight transition following the retirements of David Warner from international cricket and Mitchell Starc from T20Is. However, he stressed that the squad still boasts significant experience.
Even with Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood dealing with fitness concerns, Australia possess strong pace alternatives in Xavier Bartlett and Nathan Ellis, both of whom Ponting described as genuine wicket-taking options.
Spin-Friendly Conditions and Tactical Flexibility
With matches set to be played in spin-assisting conditions across India and Sri Lanka, Ponting expects Australia to adapt quickly, especially during the group stage in Sri Lanka.
“A few guys are injured at the moment or coming back from injury. That is probably the biggest concern that they have got right now,” Ponting said. “The one thing they have got in that squad is really good flexibility with so many all-rounders.”
He highlighted the versatility offered by Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Cameron Green, and rising star Cooper Connolly, who recently won the Big Bash League MVP for the second consecutive season.
“If it looks like it will turn, I think Australia will go with Connolly to back up Maxwell and Adam Zampa. So, they have got three spin bowling options there,” Ponting explained.
Batting Combinations and Key Players
Australia are still fine-tuning their batting order as they adjust to Asian conditions, following a 0–3 series loss to Pakistan in Pakistan. Ponting believes Cameron Green could slot in at number three, with Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh forming a powerful opening partnership.
“Josh Inglis is someone that they could bat at number three if they wanted to as well,” Ponting said. “And then they have got that experience in the middle with Maxwell and Stoinis. It is a very good squad.”
Big Players Must Fire in ICC Events
Ponting concluded by stressing that success in ICC tournaments depends on star players delivering at crucial moments—something he feels Australia lacked during the 2024 T20 World Cup in the West Indies and the USA.
“These ICC events are hard to win because all the best teams are playing. If you want to win it, you have to have all your good players playing well at the right time,” he said. “That is what Australia probably didn’t have last time around.”
Australia’s Group and Squad
Australia begin their T20 World Cup campaign on February 11 against Ireland. They are placed in Group B alongside Ireland, Oman, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe.
Australia T20 World Cup Squad:
Mitchell Marsh (captain), Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Cameron Green, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matt Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Matt Renshaw, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa
Travelling reserve: Sean Abbott