Champions Trophy: Ponting impressed by Australia's journey without key pacers
What's the story
Former Australia captain and ICC Hall of Famer Ricky Ponting lauded the team's resilience in the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy.
He praised their strong performances despite missing key pacers Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood.
Speaking on The ICC Review, Ponting highlighted the morale boost from such wins and commended replacements Spencer Johnson, Nathan Ellis, and Ben Dwarshuis for stepping up.
Here's what Ponting had to say.
Historic victory
Ponting lauds Australia's record-breaking chase against England
Australia started their Champions Trophy campaign with a historic win over England in Lahore on Saturday.
The team chased down a target of 352 runs, setting multiple records in the process.
This became the highest chase in ICC ODI events, surpassing Pakistan's previous record of 345 against Ireland in the 2023 ODI World Cup.
"Winning a game like that, that's the sort of thing at the start of a tournament that can do wonders for a team," Ponting stated.
Star performer
Ponting praises Inglis's instrumental unbeaten century
Josh Inglis was instrumental in Australia's record chase against England, scoring an unbeaten 120 off just 86 deliveries.
His innings was particularly lauded by Ponting, who called it "absolutely magnificent."
"Inglis was absolutely magnificent. He's now made a hundred in every format. That was an unbelievable knock," he added.
Meanwhile, this was Inglis's first century in one-day internationals and comes after his recent Test hundred, making him the fourth Australian player to have scored a century in every format.
Bowling prowess
Ponting commends Dwarshuis's bowling performance
Despite missing their star pacers, Australia drew strength from their replacements.
Among them, Dwarshuis was the pick of the lot, returning with three wickets for 66 runs in his 10 overs.
However, Spencer Johnson and Nathan Ellis failed to take any wickets, giving away 105 runs in 17 overs.
Despite the setback, Ponting was optimistic about the team's future in the tournament.
Meanwhile, Australia face Afghanistan in their last Group-stage match on February 28.
Injuries
Australia's Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood ruled out of Champions Trophy
Australia's cricket team had suffered a major setback ahead of the ongoing Champions Trophy, with star players Cummins and Hazlewood ruled out due to injuries.
Additionally, Australia suffered multiple blows after all-rounder Mitchell Marsh withdrew due to a back injury.
Meanwhile, Marcus Stoinis has announced his ODI retirement with immediate effect.
Cummins continues to deal with an ankle problem, while Hazlewood is nursing a calf injury.
Starc
Mitchell Starc withdrew from Champions Trophy
Australian pacer Mitchell Starc had also pulled out of the Champions Trophy for personal reasons.
Meanwhile, the sudden exit had compelled Australia to reshuffle their bowling attack in their quest for the trophy last won in 2009.
In the wake of these developments, Cricket Australia had named Steve Smith as the new team captain for the tournament.
Match recap
Australia hammer England, register highest successful run-chase in Champions Trophy
As mentioned, Australia scripted history after beating England in the ongoing Champions Trophy at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium.
The Men in Yellow chased down 352, now the highest successful run-chase in CT history.
Ton-up Inglis and Alex Carey powered the Aussies after they were down to 136/4. Inglis and Carey formed a match-winning partnership thereafter.
The former, along with Glenn Maxwell, helped Australia win in 47.2 overs.
Duckett's record-breaking 165 propelled England to their highest-ever total in the 50-over tournament.
Information
Australia's 2nd match against South Africa got abandoned
The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy Group B fixture between Australia and South Africa was washed out on February 25. Incessant rain led to the match being called off without toss. As per Cricbuzz, the venue saw rain since morning, which made the job of ground staff difficult.