Australia legend Ricky Ponting has suggested Pat Cummins should be dropped for their must-win T20 World Cup match against Afghanistan.
Australia are currently level on points with both New Zealand and England in group one, with all three teams fighting to qualify for the semi-finals. And with just one game left to play in the Super 12 stage, Australia have an inferior net run rate because of a crushing 89-run loss to New Zealand.
As a result, they need to beat Afghanistan and hope either Ireland or Sri Lanka can do them a favour as it is highly unlikely they will be able to qualify on net run rate should both New Zealand and England also win their games.
And Ponting has suggested Australia should axe Test and ODI captain Cummins and replace him with all-rounder Cameron Green, stating: "If they are thinking about a quick going out, and this is going to be a tough decision for the selectors, but if they are thinking about that then maybe it is Cummins that goes out and Green comes in.
"There's been some negativity around Pat, but these guys quite often are bowling all the hard overs. When you're bowling up front and bowling at the death, you've got to be expected to go for a few more runs."
Ponting is not the only Australia legend to have suggested Cummins should be dropped, with Mark Waugh also claiming Green should replace him in the side.
Speaking on RSN radio after Australia's win over Sri Lanka, Waugh said: "There's players individually that just aren't getting it right. Pat Cummins with the ball, there's a massive question mark over him heading into the next game.
"I would bring Cameron Green in and I'd bring him in for Pat Cummins and I'd let Cam Green open the batting. That’s one change I would definitely make.
"I know it leaves your bowling a little short, but I think Cameron Green can bowl four overs as well as any of the other bowlers at the moment."
