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SYDNEY. — Former Australia cricket captain Ricky Ponting says England’s only hope of winning a test in the upcoming Ashes series is the day/night match in Adelaide and has predicted a 4-0 victory for the hosts. Ponting savaged England’s batting order and said the absence of all-rounder Ben Stokes, along with injuries to their fast bowling stocks, would play into Australia’s hands. His comments come after fierce criticism of the Australia batting line-up from former England greats Ian Botham and Graeme Swann.

“I’ve been a bit more outward than normal about this one because I honestly think that Australia will win really easily,” Ponting, who captained Australia in 77 Tests, told Cricket Australia’s website. If you look through the current England team, they’re searching for an opener, they’re searching for a number three, Stokes might not be there, a couple of their quicks have gone down. I just think right now England have got more gaps and more cause for concern in not only in their 11 but in their entire squad, than what Australia have.” — Reuters