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Key Points

Ricky Ponting predicts England may bat only once in the Manchester Test given the favorable conditions. Joe Root and Ollie Pope are set to extend England's lead, putting India under pressure. Ponting praised Root's transformation into a consistent big-scorer, hinting he could challenge Tendulkar's record. India needs early wickets to stay in the contest.

Key Points: Ponting Says England May Bat Only Once in 4th Test vs India

  • England dominate at 225/2 with Duckett and Crawley's 94-run stand
  • Ponting highlights perfect batting conditions favoring England
  • Root eyes surpassing Dravid and Kallis in Test runs
  • India must strike early to avoid game slipping away
2 min read

4th Test: England might want to bat only once in this Test match, says Ponting

Ricky Ponting believes England could bat once in Manchester Test as Root and Pope dominate India under ideal batting conditions.

"England will have gone to bed last night thinking about the possibility of only batting once in this Test match. – Ricky Ponting"

Manchester, July 25

Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting believes England might only want to bat once in the ongoing fourth Test against India, citing the good batting conditions on offer for day three’s play at Old Trafford.

England ended day two’s play at 225/2 in 46 overs, after Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley shared a 94-run opening partnership. With Ollie Pope and Joe Root on task to reduce the deficit, the hosts are in sight of taking a big lead.

"England's win percentage might now even be higher, thinking about these batting conditions today (in bright sunshine at Old Trafford). They definitely got the better of it yesterday; we saw just how much the conditions changed from the morning to the afternoon."

"Batting conditions probably won't get any better than they are right now and they've got two class players at the crease (in Pope and Root). England will have gone to bed last night thinking about the possibility of only batting once in this Test match."

"They want to bat long and get a huge first-innings total. India need to find a way early to get back into this game with early wickets, otherwise this game is slipping away very quickly," said Ponting on Sky Sports’ broadcast.

If Root goes past 19 and 20, he will leapfrog Rahul Dravid and Jacques Kallis to be in third place on the all-time leading run-scorers list in Tests. Root could potentially go past Ponting if he manages to get a score of 120 or more.

"That could very well happen today (Root passing him on all-time run-scorers list). It's a great day for batting. What a remarkable career it has been."

"How he has transformed from someone who couldn't kick on from a score past fifty into a hundred, whereas now it's almost like every time he gets to that mark it's a hundred - and a big hundred! What an amazing career to date, he's still got some way to go - he's only 35. Can he chase down Sachin? Let's see... he might well do it," added Ponting.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya N
Root is indeed a legend, but let's not forget our own Dravid who played on tougher pitches against better bowling attacks. Test cricket was more challenging in his era. Still, credit where it's due - Root's consistency is phenomenal.
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Amit K
England's batting looks strong but our bowlers need just 2-3 quick wickets to change the game completely. Jadeja should bowl more - he's been underutilized so far in this innings!
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Sarah B
As a neutral cricket fan, this is shaping up to be a classic Test match! Root vs Bumrah will be the battle to watch today. The conditions do favor batting, but great bowlers find ways to succeed regardless.
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Nikhil P
Ponting talking about Root chasing Sachin's record makes me emotional 😢 No one can replace the Master Blaster in our hearts, but Root's technique is a joy to watch. Hope our bowlers stop him today though!
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Kavya R
The real test begins now! England's middle order has been shaky this series. If we can get Root early, the pressure will be back on them. Come on India! 🏏 #BleedBlue

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