Australia thrashed New Zealand by 296 runs in the first Test in Perth and their former captain Ricky Ponting feels that the remainder of the series is also going to be an easy win for the hosts.
Australia go into the next Test at the MCG without Josh Hazlewood, while the visitors will be without Lockie Ferguson. Australia’s supreme dominance through the first Test, except for the part in which they lost five wickets in quick succession, has led to Ponting thinking that the visitors are easy nuts to crack.
Australia have set the tone for the series,” Ponting told cricket.com.au. “I was worried about New Zealand coming here and with a lack of penetration with their bowling attack.
“I know Wagner ran in and bowled some short stuff and probably upset some of the batters but at 130kph it’s a bit different than when you’ve got guys like Starc and (Pat) Cummins running in and really upsetting the Kiwi batsmen and knocking them over.
“Australia have played some really good cricket here in Perth and if they continue to play anywhere near that I can’t see New Zealand winning a game.”
The return of Trent Boult, however, will be a big boost for New Zealand, who missed the pacer in the last two Tests. Ponting acknowledged Boult’s class but felt that pitches in Melbourne and Sydney will not suit his bowling.
“Boult’s a world-class fast bowler but looking at the venues he would have been most likely to have success here in Perth and he’s missed that one,” Ponting said.
“Sydney tends to swing around a little bit early in the game but if it’s a flat wicket in Melbourne you’d think his impact on the game would not be as high as it would have been here.
“His record for a long time now has been outstanding and he’s a competitor and a great athlete.”
Australia are currently leading the three-match Test series 1-0 and the two sides meet next at the iconic MCG for the Boxing Day Test.
