‘A very ordinary game behind the stumps’ - Ricky Ponting scrutinizes Jonny Bairstow following England's loss in first Ashes Test

England got off to the worst of starts to the Ashes 2023 as they lost the first Test of the series to Australia. As Pat Cummins sealed a remarkable two-wicket victory, Ben Stokes-led England were left with a lot of questions to answer.

The host's ‘Bazball’ approach was on full display as they showcased their aggressive intent right from the start. From Stokes' declaration on Day 1 of the match to the unique fielding setups, there were a lot of tactics in play when England took on Australia. However, it seemed like the Aussies had an answer for each and every one of them.

Former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting was of a similar opinion. The 48-year-old gave his take on the game and even opined that Jonny Bairstow’s subpar performance behind the stumps was a major factor in England losing the game.

"As far as I'm concerned now, England have more questions to answer than Australia. On their style of play, but also now looking at that first Test, they've got some selection issues that they're going to have to deal with as well," Ricky Ponting was quoted as saying by The Daily Star. 

"Jonny Bairstow actually had a very ordinary game behind the stumps. There's about four chances that he put down. And on flat wickets, if they want flat wickets, you cannot afford your keeper to be making mistakes," he added.

Those mistakes could have cost them the Test match: Ponting

Ponting also touched upon how Australia will have very few questions to answer as compared to England, as they won the game. He even opined that Bairstow’s mistakes might have cost England the match as well.

"If you look at those mistakes by themselves, some people might say those mistakes could have cost them the Test match. Those are things they have to answer. Whereas Australia, because they've won the game, they'll have to answer a lot fewer questions," Ponting said.