Former Australian cricketer predicts winner for Border-Gavaskar Trophy

Australian cricket legend Ricky Ponting has shared his insights on the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy, a crucial five-match Test series between Australia and India starting in November. The series is not only important for the teams but also a key factor in the run-up to the ICC World Test Championship final next year.

Speaking on The ICC Review, Ponting offered his predictions and discussed the burning questions that each team must address. He believes the series will be competitive, with Australia seeking redemption after India won the last two series in Australia.

"It's going to be a competitive series and as I said I think Australia's got a bit of a point to prove against India in Australia on the back of what's happened the last the last two series here," Ponting said.

"We are back to five Tests as well, which is the other really important thing about this series. It’s only been four Tests the last couple of times. Five tests, I think everyone's really excited by that and I don't know if there'd be too many drawn games.

"I'm obviously going to tip Australia to win and I'm never going to tip against Australia. There will be a draw somewhere and there will be some bad weather somewhere, so I'm going to say 3-1 to Australia," he further added.

One of the big questions for Australia, according to Ponting, is the role of veteran batter Steve Smith. Smith moved up the order to open the batting following David Warner's departure, allowing star all-rounder Cameron Green to play in his preferred No. 4 position. Ponting is unsure if this arrangement will continue.

"Probably the only one question there might be with Australia again, is if (Steve) Smith's the right man to be opening the batting. That would be the only query that I can see there. But that was all about obviously bringing Cameron Green back into the side," Ponting said.

"So I'll rephrase it, not whether Smith's the right man to open the batting but whether he thinks it's the right spot for him. Because I think if he doesn't think it's the right spot then they'll make a change and get someone else back up there," he further added.

Ponting, an admirer of India's fast bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, also sees potential in left-arm pacer Khaleel Ahmed, who impressed in the recent Indian Premier League. 

"Someone like Khaleel Ahmed I think could find himself on the Test tour," Ponting said.

“I know he's just been over in Zimbabwe recently and played that (T20I) series over there, but a left-armer would be ideal for them to have in their touring squad.

"(Mohammed) Shami will be back fit by then, (Mohammed) Siraj we know will be there abouts somewhere and obviously Bumrah is going nowhere. So both teams are going to line up really, really strongly," he further added.