Ricky Ponting complimented Beau Webster after the all-rounder hit a vital half-century against a strong South African bowling attack on Day 1 of the World Test Championship (WTC) final at London’s renowned Lord’s Cricket Ground on Wednesday, June 11.
Webster, who made his international debut against India in Sydney earlier this year, has already performed admirably for the Baggy Greens. On Wednesday, he demonstrated his temperament once more, scoring 72 runs off 92 balls to lead Australia. He appeared fidgety at first, and he was fortunate that the Proteas did not seek a review against him. However, once he was at the crease, he produced some beautiful strokes that helped the defending champs pass the 200-run mark.
“He appeared completely prepared. “You take those 70-odd runs out, that scorecard looks a whole lot different,” Ponting told ICC Digital during Australia’s first innings.
He was able to go out there and keep his natural style of play. Ricky Ponting
Ponting emphasised Webster’s willingness to play his naturally aggressive game, even while wickets were falling at the other end, and his desire to put pressure back on the opposition bowlers.
“I think that says a lot about how comfortable he is in his own game right now and even the comfort he has of being in the Australian middle order,” the former captain of Australia responded.
“The thing I liked about that today was, although Australia were in a little bit of trouble, wickets were falling (Webster) was able to go out there and maintain his own natural style of play and play the way that he wanted to play and try and be aggressive and try and put some pressure back on the South African bowlers,” he told reporters.
Australia were bowled out for 212 in the first innings, with Kagiso Rabada claiming five wickets. South Africa reached 87/4 by the end of the first hour of play on Day 2.
India
