As the build-up for the Ashes continues to intensify, the questions around Australia's top three batters have yet again picked up pace. Since David Warner's retirement, Australia has failed to find a stable top order.
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Australia's top three in Test cricket have received a lot of criticism in the recent past, and despite their 3-0 series win in the Caribbean, the question still lingers with disappointing returns from the top order.
Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting has now weighed in on who he believes should form Australia’s top three against England for the Ashes later this year.
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Ricky Ponting doesn't expect big changes for Ashes 2025
Talking to Sanjana Ganeshan in the latest edition of the ICC Review, Ponting backed the young opener Sam Konstas, saying:
"The (batters) that they're talking about the last couple of weeks in particular, have been (Sam) Konstas and (Usman) Khawaja, and then there was some talk about Cameron Green, if he was a long-term No.3 or not."
"(Green’s) second innings in the West Indies (in the last Test) might have just put some of that to bed. As tough as those conditions were to bat in for as long as he did in trying conditions, he might have silenced a few of those critics," added Ponting.
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Sam Konstas opened the innings with Usman Khawaja while Cameron Green batted at three for the Australians in their three Tests against the West Indies.
In his six innings, Konstas failed to touch the 50-run mark in the series, while Khawaja ended with 117 runs in six innings at an average of just 19.50. Green, however, had a better series, scoring 184 runs at an average of around 31.
“I think with where they're at, I think the Ashes line-up is going to be like it is right now."
"I think that's what they're going to be starting with, and you keep your fingers crossed and hope that those guys can get the job done at the start," Ponting concluded.
When is the Ashes 2025/26 starting? Full Schedule
The Ashes will take place on November 21, with Australia hosting the marquee event this year. With Australia expected to retain much of its core bowling attack, including Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Nathan Lyon, attention is on the batting lineup to deliver consistently.
The 2025/26 Ashes Test series is a part of the World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle. Here is the full schedule for the five-match series:
| Fixture | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| AUS vs ENG 1st Test | Nov 21-25 | Perth Stadium |
| AUS vs ENG 2nd Test (D/N) | Dec 4-8 | The Gabba, Brisbane |
| AUS vs ENG 3rd Test | Dec 17-21 | Adelaide Oval |
| AUS vs ENG 4th Test | Dec 26-30 | Melbourne Cricket Ground |
| AUS vs ENG 5th Test | Jan 4-8 | Sydney Cricket Ground |