'He Leaves A Big Hole': Ricky Ponting Assesses Team India's Chances At BGT Tests Sans Star Player

As Border-Gavaskar Trophy series inches close, Team India will have an arduous task to withstand opposition, reigning WTC Champions Australia on away series. New Zealand has battered Men in Blue, and a lot of scrutiny remains over Rohit Sharma -led side. WTC Final spot is also on line, and India's race has drastically narrowed down. Ahead of coveted Tests, former Australia cricketer RIcky Ponting has offered his predictions, claiming that India will be missing a star player's services in series.

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Ex-Australia Star Believes India Will Lack Star Power Against Australia At Border Gavaskar Trophy Series

While speaking to Sanjana Ganesan in recent episode of ICC Review, Ricky Ponting spoke out over India's chances at upcoming BGT Series, indicating that pacer Mohammed Shami's absence could make it arduous for visiting side when y defend title while down under.

"Probably more so w (than before). (Mohammed) Shami just leaves such a big hole in that bowling group. Back n (in August) re was still some conjecture about wher Shami would be fit or t. I think taking 20 wickets in a Test match for India is going to be biggest challenge. I think y'll bat well eugh out here with current group of batters that y've got," Ricky Ponting said.

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former Australia batter also spoke out on India's chances in upcoming five-match test series. Ponting said that Men in Blue could sneak one win, but since hosts has a settled side which boasts experienced players, y would be hard to beat in home conditions. He went on to predict a 3-1 series win for Australia.

"I think India will win a Test match somewhere through five Test matches. But I still think w, Australia probably look a bit more settled, a bit more experienced and we kw that y're a very hard team to beat at home. So I'll stick with 3-1," Ricky Ponting added.