Ashes 2023: Ricky Ponting offers technical advice to Marnus Labuschagne and Travis Head to counter England’s bowling attack ahead of Lord’s Test

In the wake of their underperformance in the first Ashes Test at Edgbaston, Australian batsmen Marnus Labuschagne an…

In the wake of their underperformance in the first Ashes Test at Edgbaston, Australian batsmen Marnus Labuschagne and Travis head are looking for redemption. Former captain Ricky Ponting has stepped forward to offer his technical expertise, hoping to guide the pair in countering England’s bowling attack ahead of the second Ashes Test at Lord’s, which begins on Wednesday (June 28).

Australia emerged victorious by a narrow margin of two wickets in the opening match of the 2023 Ashes series, with notable individual displays, particularly from Usman Khawaja And Pat Cummins. However, Labuschagne and Head were unable to replicate their usual dominance with the bat, prompting Ponting to provide valuable insight to help them regain their form.

During an interview on The ICC Review, Ponting stressed the importance of Labuschagne returning to basics to thrive in the ongoing Ashes series. Despite no longer holding an official coaching role, Ponting expressed his willingness to engage in one-on-one talks with the 28-year-old, emphasizing his position as an observer and analyst of the game.

The Aussie legend made an offer to offer guidance and share his valuable insights with Labuschagne should the batsman seek help. Ponting further suggested that Labuschagne might be overcomplicating his batting approach, and urged him to simplify his game plan.

‘I’m waiting for them to ask me. It’s not my place, I’m not one of the coaches, I’m just a player from the past sitting back and analyzing what a lot of these guys are doing. But I’d like to catch up with him and have a chat about his batting because I think what I’ve seen over the last few weeks, as far as I’m concerned, I think he’s overcomplicating things a little bit,” Ponting said.

“I think he needs to trust and believe in what has made him the number 2 ranked test batsman in the world over the past few years and trust that again. That’s really all I would say to him. I would actually tell him to go see some footage and watch a video of when he’s really been playing at his best, and remember those things and go do that all over again,” he added.

Ponting turned his attention to Head, stressing the need for the South Australian to strategize to meet the England bowlers’ initial attack. Recognizing that Head was aware of expected bowling tactics, Ponting stressed the importance of mental preparation and strategies.

Ponting asked relevant questions for Head to consider, encouraging the left-handed batsman to assess the most effective approach to meet the particular challenges facing the England bowlers. By involving Head in critical thinking and decision-making, Ponting aims to equip South Australians with the tools needed to take on the opposition head-on.

“First, he (Travis Head) will now be aware that it is going to happen. He will expect that. So that’s why I think he has to work on it in his own mind. What is the best way for him to combat that kind of bowling? Will it be to take it? Will he be successful trying to hook and pull balls lodged in his body? Does he find a way to be able to duck and weave and get a little better out of the way and try to wear down the bowlers? added the Tasmanian further.

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