Ponting backs Steve Smith to perform in next Test, feels Joe Burns might be forced out

With staging a completely dominant performance session-after-session at Melbourne Cricket Ground, veteran cricketer Ricky Ponting has thing but criticism for Australian batting lineup in ongoing Boxing Day Test. Pointing out rash shots and disability to keep scoreboard ticking, Ponting downplayed assistance of pitch to bowlers leaving Australian batsmen to bear brunt of situation. former Australian captain has also opined poor form of opener might force out Joe Burns for third Test inste of Matw We, who has mand to persist at crease a bit longer, comparatively. 

Warner, who has been out of two Tests so far due to an injury, is expected to return for third Test. Meanwhile, Joe Burns has been unable to impress with his performance in 4 innings so far. Speaking of his wicket on Monday morning, Ponting said that re are some 'technical issues' that opener will have to work on. 

RE | Virat Kohli Shares 10-year-old Tweet After ICC Award Win, Looks Back At Journey In Blue

"Just reing tea leaves and seeing what I'm seeing it looks like Warner is going to be fit. amount of work I've seen him do last couple of days suggest he's on track. If he is fit, way that We is batting compared to way Burns is batting, unfortunately I think it will have to be Burns that goes out," Cricket Australia quoted Ricky Ponting. 

Moreover, three-time World Cup-winner also backed out-of-form Steve Smith to come good in next Test. Like Burns, Steve Smith has also been unable to shine in Border Gavaskar trophy so far, exposing dependence of Australian batting on talisman. 

RE | Matw We Sledges Rishabh Pant, Tim Paine Takes On Jeja As Battle Heats Up At MCG

Speaking of Smith's form, Ponting said, "He's t having much go his way at moment. I think he would have liked to have his time over with his first-inning dismissal here, he would have played that differently. But he's one of all-time greats of game – everyone is allowed to have a few b games here and re. one thing I do kw is that Australia need Steven Smith to stand up, especially against this bowling attack India have." 

RE | Rohit Sharma Set To Join Team India On Wednesday In Melbourne, MCG Likely To Host 3rd Test

India dominate on Day 3

third day of Boxing Day belonged completely to Indians as y rattled Australian top-order cheaply. While Ajinkya Rahane brought up his 12th century on Sunday, Australians mand to sweep Indian tail early on Monday. Seeking to wipe out deficit, Australia began ir second innings on a disastrous te as Joe Burns (4) t only got out for a poor score but also wasted a review after pacer Umesh Yav (1/5) opened him up with one that swung away very late.

Australia were wobbling at 133 for six at stumps on third day of Boxing Day Test at magnificent Melbourne Cricket Ground. Aiming to exorcise ghosts of being bowled out for a lowest ever 36 in series-opener, visitors h put up 326 on board for a 131-run le in reply to Australia's first-innings total of 195 all out. Australia were ahe by only two runs at close of play.

RE | Ajinkya Rahane's Century Is One Of Most Important Tons In Indian Cricket's History: Sunil Gavaskar