Ricky Ponting picks Australia eleven for WTC final, gives verdict on veteran opener David Warner

Marcus Harris has also been picked as an opener in the 15-member squad, however, Ponting has backed Warner to open with Usman Khawaja despite his poor run. Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, and Travis Head are the three other specialist batters in the team.

“I think Warner will play. I’m listening to everything that’s been spoken about the last few months, that Warner will play along with Khawaja, opening the batting.

“There has only really been one batting question mark in the last 12 months, and that has been the opening spot with David Warner and how long he’s going to continue to play,” Ponting said on the latest episode of the ICC Review.

“With Travis Head doing what he’s done lately in that middle order, and Cameron Green really emerging on the scene in the last 12 months as well, I think the batting side of things pretty much picks itself,” he added.

The former captain has picked Cameron Green over Mitchell Marsh as the pace-bowling all-rounder, and Alex Carey for the wicketkeeper-batter spot.

Further, Ponting picked Nathan Lyon as the only specialist spinner. Captain Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland are the three pacers in Ponting’s predicted Australia eleven for the WTC final versus India. Josh Hazlewood’s fitness is a concern and it’s uncertain if he will be available for the match.

“Boland’s record when he’s played over the last 12 months has been absolutely outstanding. He’s one that would really, potentially thrive in these English conditions.”

“We’ve seen what he’s been able to do in Australia when there has been a bit of assistance off the wicket there and with the ball. So I think he’ll get the nod ahead of Neser,” Ponting said.

Ricky Ponting’s predicted Australia XI for the WTC Final

Usman Khawaja, David Warner, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins (c), Nathan Lyon, and Scott Boland.