Ponting predicts 3-1 triumph for Oz in Border-Gavaskar series

Former captain Ricky Ponting predicted a 3-1 victory for Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India as he feels the visitors will find taking 20 wickets in a Test as the "biggest challenge" in the absence of Mohammed Shami.

- STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE

Australia is keen on ending its barren run in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, with India winning each of the four series since 2014-15, including the historic triumphs Down Under in 2018-19 and 2020-21.

However, with India suffering a historic low of a first-ever whitewash against New Zealand at home, Ponting believes the reigning World Test champions have a better chance of defeating India now.

"Probably more so now (than before). (Mohammed) Shami just leaves such a big hole in that bowling group. Back then (in August) there was still some conjecture whether Shami would be fit or not," Ponting said about Australia's chances against India.

"I think taking 20 wickets in a Test match for India is going to be the biggest challenge. I think they'll bat well enough out here with the current group of batters that they've got," the legendary batter was quoted as saying by the ICC Review.