Dubai, Feb 18 (.) Ricky Ponting has described Australia’s campaign at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup as “really poor”, saying their defeat to Zimbabwe proved decisive in their early exit from the tournament.
Australia managed just one win from three matches and were knocked out of contention for the Super Eights stage, with the former captain pointing to injuries and underwhelming performances from key players as major setbacks.
“It’s been a really poor campaign, it has to be said,” Ponting said on the latest episode of The ICC Review. He noted that the absence of players like Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins, and Tim David at different stages disrupted the team’s balance.
Ponting said the loss to Zimbabwe would haunt the side. “To think that Zimbabwe outplayed Australia in an ICC event, it’s those opportunities that you can’t afford to give up in a tournament like this,” he said, adding that Sri Lanka had also proved too strong with an impressive run chase.
The two-time World Cup-winning captain also admitted he had been on the receiving end of banter from Indian friends following Australia’s exit. “You take the good with the bad, and more often than not, I’ve been able to be the one that’s been able to send a cheeky message back and forth myself, but certainly not in this tournament,” he said.
Ponting said the current T20 side lacked the aura of previous Australian teams and had not delivered in crucial moments. He pointed out that the top order, including Cameron Green and Tim David, failed to provide the consistency needed, while a collapse of six wickets for 20 runs against Sri Lanka hurt their chances.
He rejected suggestions that Australia does not prioritise the T20 World Cup, insisting ICC trophies remain the ultimate goal. “The reason you play is to win World Cups and win titles. The fact that we had as many players out as we did and some of our best players just not stepping up is the reason that you don’t win,” he said.
Looking ahead, Ponting predicted several changes in Australia’s T20 squad before the 2028 edition, which Australia will co-host with New Zealand. He expects players like Mitchell Marsh, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, and Cameron Green to remain in contention, while hinting that Glenn Maxwell’s career may be nearing its end.
“There will be some change,” Ponting said, adding that younger players such as Nathan Ellis, Xavier Bartlett, and Cooper Connolly could form part of Australia’s future plans.
. VAN .