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Ponting baffled by Ashes selection: Why Inglis over Webster?

Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has expressed his confusion over the national selectors' decision to pick Josh Inglis over Beau Webster during the recent Ashes series. Ponting questioned the data-driven choice, especially given Webster's proven match-winning ability and the balance he offers as an all-rounder. Webster, who was disappointed to miss the first four Tests, finally played in Sydney and scored an unbeaten 71 while taking three wickets. Ponting now sees a potential opening for Webster at No. 5 in the batting order following Usman Khawaja's absence.

Key Points: Ponting questions Ashes selection of Inglis over Webster

  • Ponting puzzled by Ashes selection
  • Webster overlooked for Inglis
  • Webster's strong SCG performance
  • Missed balance for Australia
  • Future No. 5 spot opportunity
2 min read

I still can't figure out how selectors went with Inglis ahead of Webster in Ashes: Ponting

Ricky Ponting says he can't understand why selectors picked Josh Inglis ahead of Beau Webster for the Ashes, calling the decision puzzling.

"I can't figure out how they did that, to be honest. - Ricky Ponting"

New Delhi, Jan 17

Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has questioned the Ashes selection calls, saying he is still unable to understand why Josh Inglis was preferred over Beau Webster during the series.

Despite making an impressive start to his Test career, including a match-winning performance on debut during last year's Border-Gavaskar Trophy finale, Webster was left out of Australia's starting XI for November's Ashes opener in Perth, with fellow all-rounder Cameron Green taking his spot at No. 6.

The 32-year-old was also sidelined for the following two Tests in Brisbane and Adelaide, with national selectors instead calling up reserve wicketkeeper Inglis, who posted scores of 23, 32 and 10 batting at No. 7.

Webster finally got a chance during the New Year's Ashes Test at the SCG, where he scored an unbeaten 71 and took three wickets with his part-time off spin.

"At the start I was surprised they went with Inglis ahead of Beau. With the selectors, I know they look very deeply into data with these things. There must have been something there; a metric and Inglis must have better numbers. But I can't figure out how they did that, to be honest," Ponting told SEN Tassie.

Ponting suggested the decision was puzzling, especially given Webster's form and ability to offer greater balance to the side, and felt the selectors missed an opportunity by overlooking him throughout the Ashes.

"I was surprised, but every time I see Beau play, he just continues to put forward a case as to why he should be in the side. Now we know an opportunity has come up at No. 5 with Usman Khawaja not there. I can't see any world in which Travis Head doesn't continue as opener, so maybe it's Beau's chance to grab that No. 5 spot.

"He may not be the flashiest or the most stylish, but he's a gamer. He knows what has to happen in situations, ball or field. It will be hard to leave him out going forward," Ponting added.

Last week, Webster had confessed he was "disappointed" to miss selection for the first four Tests of the Ashes campaign.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Interesting perspective from Ponting. It does seem odd to prefer a reserve keeper over a proven all-rounder, especially when the team needs balance. Webster's 71* and 3 wickets speaks volumes. Data is important, but so is gut feeling and current momentum.
A
Aditya G
Yaar, this is classic selection drama. Happens in Indian cricket too sometimes. When a player performs under pressure like Webster did against us (India), you have to back him. Hope he gets the No. 5 spot now. Khawaja's absence is his big chance.
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Priya S
Respectfully, I think Ponting might be overlooking the team's strategy. Maybe Inglis offered something specific for those Perth/Brisbane conditions? Selectors have the full picture, we don't. But Webster's performance is undeniable - he's a fighter.
K
Karthik V
As an avid cricket follower, I feel for Webster. Must be so frustrating to sit out after a dream debut. Ponting calling him a "gamer" is the biggest compliment. Australia needs such players, especially in tough away series. Hope he gets a long run now!
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Michael C
The numbers game in modern cricket can be confusing. Inglis' scores were modest. Webster brings a proper all-round option. Ponting's analysis is usually sharp, and here it makes complete sense. Tough on the player, but his time seems to have come.

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