This Australian player will outscore Kohli in Test Series, says Ponting

Usman Khwaja can pip Kohli in Test Series: Ricky Ponting

Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting has said that Australian batsman Usman Khwaja might outscore Virat Kohli as the leading scorer in the upcoming four-match Test series slated to begin from December 6.

Talking to cricket.com.au, the former Test skipper went on to say that he would also become the leading scorer of the series.

Australia will win the series, 2-1, says Ponting

Ponting has also said that the Test series would go in favour of the home side where Australia will trump India by a scoreline of 2-1 in a four-match Test series.

Citing India’s history down under, Ponting said,” We are talking about a 40-year old history of India touring Australia. They have never managed to win a Test series here because of the pace and bounce that the Australian pitches offer.”

Talking about his expectations from Usman Khwaja, Ponting said, “He is on the top of his game, his record in Australia is exemplary.”

“Indian fast bowlers pose a certain threat but I think that Usman Khwaja has the ability to cope with it here in Australia,” he added.

Pace-friendly  pitches would help Aussie batsmen

He also said that Khwaja and his team-mates would get the advantage of pace-friendly pitches in the first two Tests. “I am just sure that he will pip Kohli. I know that Kohli would play well because he scores runs wherever he goes and he had a great series last year. Just where they are starting in Adelaide and Perth, Kohli is more vulnerable in those conditions than Melbourne and Sydney.”

Ponting explained that if the pitches have a little bit pace in them, the batters will bat better against their bowlers.

Ponting backed him saying that he could carry forward the form that he showed in the recently concluded Test series against Pakistan in the UAE. “Selectors backed him through that UAE tour and gave him an opportunity to stand out. He has got the right skills and attitude, I think he has got a perfect package to have a great summer.”