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

As the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series inches close, Team India will have an arduous task to withstand the opposition, the reigning WTC Champions Australia on the away series. New Zealand has battered the Men in Blue, and a lot of scrutiny remains over the Rohit Sharma -led side. The WTC Final spot is also on the line, and India's race has drastically narrowed down. Ahead of the coveted Tests, former Australia cricketer RIcky Ponting has offered his predictions, claiming that India will be missing a star player's services in the 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 the recent episode of The ICC Review, Ricky Ponting spoke out over India's chances at the upcoming BGT Series, indicating that pacer Mohammed Shami's absence could make it arduous for the visiting side when they defend the title while down under.

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

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The former Australia batter also spoke out on India's chances in the upcoming five-match test series. Ponting said that the Men in Blue could sneak one win, but since the hosts has a settled side which boasts experienced players, they 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 the five Test matches. But I still think now, Australia probably look a bit more settled, a bit more experienced and we know that they're a very hard team to beat at home. So I'll stick with the 3-1," Ricky Ponting added.