Champions Trophy: Ricky Ponting Backs Steve Smith As An Opener

February 19, 2025: Australia’s former skipper and ICC Hall of Famer, Ricky Ponting, has voiced his support for Steve Smith to play as an opener during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which kicks off on February 22 in Lahore. Ponting believes that Smith’s experience and versatility make him a suitable candidate to anchor Australia’s innings at the top of the order in the upcoming tournament.

Australia’s preparations for the Champions Trophy have been marred by injuries, with regular skipper Pat Cummins and key fast bowlers Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazelwood, among others, all unavailable for the event. Despite these setbacks, Ponting has backed the Australian selectors to consider promoting Smith to the opening position, given the lack of established options in the top order.

Currently, Travis Head seems likely to feature in Australia’s top order, but Ponting suggested that Smith could be the answer to the selectors’ dilemma. Smith, who typically bats at number four in the ODI lineup, has previously opened in T20 cricket for the Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League, including a memorable 121* off 64 balls against the Perth Scorchers earlier this year.

From 151 ODI innings for Australia, Smith has batted in a variety of positions from third to eighth but has never opened the batting in a 50-over format. This role change could allow Smith to stabilize the innings and provide the necessary foundation for the middle order. His impressive form in recent domestic white-ball cricket suggests he could thrive in this role.

The Australian selectors face a challenge with Jake Fraser-McGurk, a promising young talent who has shown glimpses of brilliance but struggled for consistency in ODIs. With a modest average of 14 from seven ODI innings and a top score of 41 from 18 balls, Fraser-McGurk has yet to cement his place as an opener. Matt Short and Josh Inglis have also been underwhelming, making the case for Smith as a potential opener even stronger.

Ponting, while acknowledging Fraser-McGurk’s talent, emphasized that the young player has not yet delivered consistently enough to earn a permanent place at the top. He further discussed Smith’s potential as an opener, stating, “He could be someone that could be an anchor through this Champions Trophy at the top of the order. With the form that he’s in, he’s going to make big runs.”

Despite the uncertainty, Ponting remains confident that Fraser-McGurk, if he delivers his best, could prove to be a match-winner for Australia. “Jake is the sort of player that if he does play at his best… he could win a tournament (for Australia),” Ponting added.

With the Champions Trophy set to begin, Australia’s opening combination remains one of the key questions ahead of the tournament. Fans will eagerly await the selectors’ decision as the team prepares to face England in their opening match on February 22.