Ricky Ponting to join Justin Langer's backroom staff
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Ricky Ponting is all set to a play dual role in the upcoming series against England, where he will be a part of Justin Langer’s backroom staff alongside the commentary panel. Justin Langer has also shown faith in all-rounder Glenn Maxwell as the Kangaroos look to return form the sandpaper scandal.
The Aussies are back in England for a five-match ODI series and one T20I international as they would be led by wicket keeper-captain Tim Paine, who took over from Steven Smith earlier this year following his involvement in the sandpaper scandal. And Langer, who has taken over the reins of the head coach from Darren Lehmann, has found a new ally in two-time World Cup winning captain Ricky Ponting.
The arrival of Ponting in his backroom staff could be a major boost for out of form Glenn Maxwell, who was under Ponting’s supervision in his failed stint with Delhi Daredevils. Though Maxwell scored only 169 runs in 12 IPL games, his career strike rate of 123 in ODI’s has enough indications of his abilities to be a difference maker in crunch series. And he seemed to enjoy the confidence of Langer too, who has been banking on the coach-player duo again.
"He has just had a couple of months with 'Punter' (Ponting) in the IPL, to have the influence of someone like Punter is gold. 'Punter' is joining us again tomorrow (Sunday), so if he (Maxwell) keeps preparing well and keeps trusting his preparation it is not far until he becomes an absolute star, I think. He's got so much talent," said Langer, reported AFP.
“He is. But that I have been super impressed with Glenn Maxwell, his preparation has been literally outstanding. I would be very surprised if he doesn't get a very big score very soon. There's been a lot of talk about Glenn Maxwell but I have been incredibly impressed with the way he goes about his business and even the way he has been batting in the nets," Langer added.
Australia would be without the likes of David Warner too due to ban, whereas fast-bowling trio of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazelwood, and Pat Cummins remain injured. The series has been scheduled to start from June 13 with first ODI being played at Kennington Oval and the last one game (T20I) being played at Edgbaston Birmingham on June 27.
