Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting disagreed with Ben Stokes’ comments on the current England team being outspoken about their aggressive style of play as well, irrespective of the results, after the fourth Test at Manchester. However, Australia retained the Ashes 2023 after surviving the fourth Test which ended in a draw due to poor weather conditions on the final two days.
Speaking to the ICC Review after the fourth Test, Ponting said: “They probably will be spoken about, but I mean, even if they don’t win, this is the other thing – with one Test match to go, if Australia win and they beat England 3-1, I’m sure more people are going to be speaking about that result rather than some of the individual performances from England.”
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However, Ricky Ponting credited the ongoing Ashes series for leaving a great impact similar to the 2005 Ashes series on the crowds in England and everyone across the globe as well.
“It’s being spoken about like the 2005 series, and we know the 2005 had a huge impact on the way Test cricket was watched and probably played all around the world after that series,” said Ponting.
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“England can be very proud of what they’re trying to achieve and what they’re trying to do. You know, so many kids at the ground, so many kids enjoying Test cricket, families there enjoying it – people that are not necessarily huge Test match fans are sending messages through to everyone talking about how good it’s been to watch this sort of style of play,” concluded Ricky Ponting.
