Australian cricket legend Ricky Ponting has issued a clear directive to national selectors, urging them to fast-track young talent into the Test side as planning begins for the next Ashes series in 2027.
Ponting's Youth Movement for Packed Schedule
Fresh from Australia's 4-1 series victory over England, the Test team faces a hectic future. After a break, they resume against Bangladesh in August, kicking off a period featuring series against South Africa, New Zealand, and India, plus a one-off Test against England at the MCG in March next year. A potential World Test Championship final also looms before the next Ashes battle in June and July 2027.
Ponting believes the upcoming 20 Tests are the perfect opportunity to blood new players. "You can’t just look at numbers as far as I’m concerned now," Ponting stated on Channel 7. "I think we’ve got to really dig deep and identify the best young talent and get them in now."
The New Faces in Ponting's 2027 Ashes Squad
Ponting has identified two specific youngsters for immediate promotion. The first is 23-year-old Victorian opener Campbell Kellaway. Kellaway has impressed in the Sheffield Shield, including a brilliant 147 against Tasmania, and scored 71 for Australia A against the England Lions.
In Ponting's 16-man squad, Kellaway is picked to open alongside Travis Head, replacing Jake Weatherald. Ponting noted Weatherald's susceptibility to extreme lengths, suggesting Kellaway's technique is better suited for the long term.
The second bolter is 19-year-old Ollie Peake, who will captain Australia at the upcoming Under-19 World Cup. Peake made a classy 54 for the PM's XI in just his second first-class match. Ponting has shown remarkable faith, slotting Peake directly into the number five batting position.
Veterans, Omissions and Katich's Alternative View
Ponting kept faith with veterans like Marnus Labuschagne and a bowling attack featuring 39-year-old Nathan Lyon and 37-year-old Mitchell Starc, hoping they can defy age. He also backed Jhye Richardson to return to his best for English conditions, and included Scott Boland.
One notable omission was Nathan McSweeney, who struck a double century against the England Lions. Ponting admitted it was a tight call between him and Labuschagne for the number three spot.
Former Test opener Simon Katich proposed a similar but differing squad. Katich opted for Matt Renshaw as an opener, citing his current form and prime age of 29. He also preferred Xavier Bartlett over Scott Boland, questioning the veteran's longevity, and chose Corey Rocchiccioli and Aaron Hardie as his spin and all-rounder backups.
Both legends, however, agreed on the exciting potential of Campbell Kellaway, with Katich revealing that former Test batsman and Victorian coach Chris Rogers is also a huge wrap on the young opener's technique.
