Ricky Ponting questions Ashes selection, puzzled by Inglis being preferred over Webster

Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has raised questions over the selection calls made during the Ashes series, saying he remains unable to understand why Josh Inglis was chosen ahead of Beau Webster.

Webster, who made an impressive start to his Test career and produced a match-winning performance on debut in last year’s Border-Gavaskar Trophy finale, was left out of Australia’s playing XI for the Ashes opener in Perth in November. Cameron Green was preferred at No. 6, while Webster continued to miss out in the following Tests in Brisbane and Adelaide.

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Selectors instead opted to include reserve wicketkeeper Inglis, who batted at No. 7 and registered scores of 23, 32 and 10. Webster eventually earned his opportunity in the New Year’s Test at the SCG, where he strengthened his case with an unbeaten 71 and three wickets with his part-time off-spin.

Ponting said the decision to go with Inglis over Webster was puzzling, even though he acknowledged that selectors rely heavily on performance data and metrics.

He added that Webster’s consistent performances have only reinforced his case for regular selection and suggested the all-rounder could now be in contention for a middle-order role, particularly with Usman Khawaja unavailable.

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Ponting feels Travis Head is set to continue as opener, which could open the door for Webster to compete for the No. 5 position. He also described Webster as a strong competitor who understands match situations well and believes it will be difficult for selectors to leave him out going forward.

Last week, Webster admitted he was disappointed to miss selection for the first four Tests of the Ashes campaign.