Former Pakistani batter Basit Ali recently reacted to legendary Ricky Ponting’s prediction for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia. The five-match Test series will take place Down Under, beginning November 22. However, in the recent edition of the ICC Review, Ponting predicted that Australia will win against India this time, reclaiming the Border Gavaskar Trophy by a 3-1 margin as well. And, Basit Ali added that Australians have a habit of saying such statements and indulging in mind games before a big series.

Speaking in his latest YouTube video, Basit Ali said, “Ricky Ponting has said Australia will beat India 3-1. It is a big statement. The mind games have begun. The Indian players and coaches know these mind games very well. India have won the last two Border-Gavaskar series in Australia. There is not much difference between that time and this time, in my opinion.”

However, Team India have dominated Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in the recent past, winning the last four editions. It is worth mentioning that the Border-Gavaskar Trophy has now been extended to five matches and it will be the first time that India and Australia will
play a five-match Test series since 1991-92.

“I know Australians really well. They have a habit of making such statements. Australia can beat India 5-0 only if India are without Bumrah, Shami, Siraj, Rohit, Virat, and Jaiswal,” he added.

However, Australia’s veteran batter Steve Smith has opened the batting for the team in Test ever since David Warner retired from red-ball cricket in January as well. Basit Ali also added that Smith agreed to be promoted as an opener because Australia were slated to take on ‘weaker’ teams.

“Does the Australian team have the courage to prepare a grassy or bouncy track? Will Steve Smith open the batting this time too? He changed his batting position to open against weaker teams. Open the batting now, it will be fun,” Basit Ali concluded.