Ponting ’selfish’ in batting at No.3 in World Cup warm-up game against Proteas: Hogg
By ANIThursday, February 17, 2011
BANGALORE - Australian captain Ricky Ponting was “selfish” in batting at No.3 when his struggling middle-order needed runs in the World Cup warm-up game against South Africa, according to former Australian fast bowler Rodney Hogg.
Australia lost the game by seven wickets after they posted a paltry 217 runs, despite making a strong start for the second game in a row.
Hogg said that Ponting, who made 55 runs off 84 balls after top-scoring with 57 against India in the team’s first warm-up game, should have moved himself down the order to give Cameron White and David Hussey a chance to bat.
“I question the Australian setup sometimes. I just sort of think we’re a very selfish team. If a guy gets 50 in the first game, wouldn’t you give a guy another go?” the Herald Sun quoted Hogg, as saying.
The 59-year-old further said that Australia’s campaign was now in peril, and doubted whether they could make the final.
“It was a good test out game and to have two (South African) guys retire, I think you’d be optimistic to think we’d make it,” Hogg said. (ANI)
