Ponting Suggests New Role for Steve Smith at Champions Trophy
Australian cricket legend Ricky Ponting believes stand-in captain Steve Smith could be the key to solving Australia’s top-order dilemma at the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Speaking on The ICC Review with Sanjana Ganesan, Ponting suggested that Australia’s selectors might consider promoting Smith to open the batting, especially with injuries leaving gaps in the squad. Regular captain Pat Cummins, fast bowlers Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, along with all-rounders Cameron Green and Mitchell Marsh, are all unavailable for the tournament.
Could Smith Open?
While Travis Head is expected to retain his spot at the top, Ponting believes moving Smith up from No.4 could be a strategic move. Though Smith has never opened in ODIs, he has flourished in that role in domestic T20s, including a blistering 121* off 64 balls for the Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League.
The decision also hinges on the performance of young batter Jake Fraser-McGurk. The talented 21-year-old has struggled in ODIs, averaging just 14 from seven innings, six of which came as an opener.
“He’s not had the greatest of summers,” Ponting said. “There’s so much ability and skill there, but we haven’t seen it consistently enough.
“Do they think about opening with Steve Smith? He could be an anchor at the top of the order, and given his form, you know he’ll make big runs.”
Ponting also acknowledged Fraser-McGurk’s potential to be a game-changer. “If Jake plays at his best, he could win a tournament for Australia. That’s probably the conversation happening inside the team right now.”
The PCB announces UAE as the neutral venue for the Champions Trophy.
Spencer Johnson Tipped to Replace Starc
Australia’s bowling attack will also have a fresh look with Cummins, Starc, and Hazlewood all sidelined. Ponting has backed left-arm pacer Spencer Johnson to step in as Starc’s replacement.
The 29-year-old quick has only played three ODIs but has shown glimpses of brilliance, including a 5/26 haul against Pakistan in a T20I last year.
“Spencer Johnson could have a real impact,” Ponting said. “I’ve been saying for a while that whenever Starc is done, we need to have Johnson ready to go. He bowls fast, he’s a similar type of bowler to Starc, and he looks in good shape.”
With several key players missing, Australia faces big selection calls ahead of their Champions Trophy opener against England on February 22 in Lahore. Will they take a gamble on Smith as an opener? Or will Fraser-McGurk hold his place? Either way, Ponting believes Australia has the firepower to compete.
